On Oct. 30, 2023, President Joe Biden signed a landmark Executive Order aimed at the responsible and secure development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the nation. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the significant risks associated with the rapid development and adoption of AI and is taking steps to mitigate them. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will play a key role in implementing the new AI guidelines.

Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, of the DHS, will lead the efforts in ensuring the safe and secure use of AI. In a press release, Mayorkas emphasized the need to quickly mitigate the risks posed by the unprecedented speed of AI's development and adoption. He stated, "The unprecedented speed of AI's development and adoption presents significant risks we must quickly mitigate."

The Executive Order instructs the DHS to focus on several critical areas. One of the key areas is managing AI in critical infrastructure and cyberspace. Secretary Mayorkas has been directed to establish and chair an AI Safety and Security Advisory Board, which will consist of experts from the industry, research labs, and government. This board will issue recommendations on secure AI deployments.

Another area of focus is reducing the risks of AI in the development of weapons of mass destruction. The DHS will work with other governmental agencies to evaluate the risks associated with AI in this context.

The Executive Order also addresses the issue of AI-related intellectual property theft. The DHS, through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, will create a program to protect AI intellectual property.

Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to attract and retain AI talent. The administration plans to modernize immigration pathways to attract skilled talent in AI and other emerging technologies.

The DHS has already made significant progress in AI deployment for its missions. In April 2023, Secretary Mayorkas established the department's first AI Task Force, which is responsible for developing guidance on AI technology acquisition and usage, including facial recognition technologies.

Per the DHS press release, Mayorkas stated, "As we continue this critical work, it will be centered on our commitment and responsibility to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties."

The Biden-Harris Administration's Executive Order on AI demonstrates its commitment to the responsible and secure development and use of AI. With the DHS playing a key role, efforts will be made to mitigate the risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology.