The White House memorandum on AI: What you need to know

The AI NSM outlines a multifaceted strategy with three main objectives driving the US approach to AI and national security:

The memorandum highlights the need for US leadership in developing secure, reliable, and transparent AI systems. This transparency includes protecting sensitive technologies from espionage and enhances the security of AI-related supply chains, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Establishing the AI Safety Institute as a central coordinating body signals a strong commitment to collaborating with security agencies to address AI risks.

Detailed directives:

• Establishment of AI safety and security programs: The NSM mandates the creation of specific programs designed to ensure the safety and security of AI systems. These programs will develop standards and protocols to help prevent misuse and enhance resilience.

• Interagency coordination: This directive promotes the sharing of best practices, research findings, and technological advancements across departments, fostering a unified approach to AI-related challenges.

• Investment in research and development: To maintain a technological edge, the memorandum calls for increased investments in AI research and development. These funds will address vulnerabilities in AI systems while pushing innovation.

• Workforce development: Recognizing that AI technologies are only as effective as the people who manage them, the NSM outlines some strategies for workforce development. These include training programs to equip personnel with the skills required to operate and manage AI technologies effectively.

The NSM calls for integrating leading-edge AI technology across national security missions. A key component of this strategy is the introduction of the Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management, which sets clear guidelines for the responsible use of AI in defense and security contexts. This framework ensures that AI is used in a way that not only advances US national interests but also aligns with democratic values and respects human rights.

Recognizing the global nature of AI, the memorandum underscores the importance of international cooperation. The US seeks to work with its allies to establish robust governance frameworks that regulate AI use in military and security settings. The NSM promotes the creation of principles that align with international law and human rights, ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in ways that contribute to global stability and security.

The directives outlined in the NSM have far-ranging implications for US national security:

• Enhancing defense capabilities: The integration of AI into defense strategies will provide enhanced capabilities in areas like intelligence gathering, threat detection, and rapid decision-making, giving the US a significant strategic advantage.

• Protecting technological edge: A key focus of the NSM is securing AI-related technological advancements from foreign threats with an emphasis on strengthening cybersecurity measures and protecting sensitive innovations from espionage and sabotage.

• Ethical AI usage: The memorandum places a strong emphasis on ethical AI use, ensuring that AI systems adhere to democratic principles. This includes mitigating risks such as algorithmic bias, ensuring transparency, and protecting privacy to prevent misuse or overreach.

The release of this NSM marks a turning point in how the US government approaches AI in the context of national security. By prioritizing the safe development of AI, promoting ethical use, and fostering international collaboration, the Biden-Harris administration is charting a path toward responsible AI innovation. This approach not only bolsters national security but also establishes a model for global leadership in AI governance. As AI continues to evolve, the US is positioning itself at the forefront of ensuring that these powerful technologies are used to safeguard — rather than undermine — democratic values and human rights.

Elastic is committed to helping organizations implement AI effectively, ethically, and securely. The Elastic Search AI Platform securely integrates AI and provides a trusted environment for analyzing and responding to cybersecurity threats, monitoring IT ecosystems and pinpointing anomalies, and developing generative AI experiences that securely integrate proprietary data with large language models (LLMs). Learn more about Elastic and AI for public sector.