AI, Government and the Future

Welcome to our weekly dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the U.S. Government!

AI is progressing at an incredible pace, and we're just scratching the surface. With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to keep up.

We're here to provide you with insightful analysis and a concise summary, delivered to you on a regular basis. Stay informed, stay up-to-date, and join us on this thrilling journey into the future of AI.

Episode 25 Recap: Exploring AI's Role in Government with Max Romanik and Marc Leh

Max Romanik and Marc Leh, Principal Consultants at Corner Alliance, host this special episode of AI, Government, and the Future. They explore the exciting role of AI in government, discussing its integration into sectors like R&D and homeland security to identify threats and improve efficiency. They highlight the government's support for high-risk research, efforts to standardize technology, and the use of government data sets to train AI models. The episode also examines AI’s potential impact on the consulting industry.

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Spotlight

Biden’s Blueprint for Safe AI Deployment in National Security 

President Biden signed a memorandum establishing guidelines for the use and protection of technology in national security. The memorandum aims to balance AI benefits, such as cybersecurity and weather forecasting, with risks like autonomous weapons development. However, many deadlines for agencies to study and regulate these tools are set to take effect after Biden’s term, creating uncertainty about their implementation. The U.S. government faces challenges in regulating key AI technologies, which evolve rapidly and often resist traditional oversight.

Read More - nytimes

The Number 

$45 million 

Concentric AI, a data security startup led by a former Aruba VP, has raised $45 million in a Series B funding round. The company plans to use the funding to enhance identity governance, risk monitoring, and breach investigation capabilities. By leveraging large language models for advanced data discovery and classification, Concentric AI aims to challenge established data security players and strengthen its channel partnerships. The funding round led by Top Tier Capital Partners and HarbourVest Partners, will support the company’s growth strategy, including international expansion and tripling its customer base to capture larger market opportunities.

In-Depth 

The Intersection of AI, Zero-Trust Security, and Service Disruptions 

The pace of cybersecurity threats has accelerated with advancements in AI and the shift to zero-trust security models. Hackers from nations like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia are persistently developing new tools, supported by sophisticated, well-funded organizations employing hundreds or even thousands of individuals.  This escalating threat landscape has heightened cybersecurity awareness and increased efforts from governments, industries and the public.  Cyberattacks on state and local governments have surged, and email phishing campaigns have become more sophisticated due to generative AI. While zero-trust models enhance security, they have also increased IT complexity, adding more elements to track and manage. Major service outages have exposed the risk of over-reliance on service providers, underscoring the need for resilient service delivery models.  

The growing severity and frequency of attacks have made cybersecurity features essential in technology products. In response, the cybersecurity insurance industry is grappling with rising costs, pushing some states toward self-insurance. IT leaders are leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to strengthen cyber defenses, as traditional username and password authentication become obsolete.  A decentralized identity model is gaining traction as a more secure alternative. Staying ahead of cyber threats requires close collaboration with vendors and continuous staff training.

Read More - statescoop

Tech and Advocacy Groups Push for Federal AI Safety Legislation

Over 60 organizations are urging Congress to create the U.S. AI Safety Institute within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Proposed bills in the Senate and House aim to establish a NIST-run AI center dedicated to research, standards development, and fostering public-private partnerships. The Senate bill seeks to formally create the U.S. AI Safety Institute, while the House version refers to it as the Center for AI Advancement and Reliability. Led by Americans for Responsible Innovation and the Information Technology Industry Council, a coalition of tech companies, defense contractors, advocacy groups, and academic institutions, published an open letter urging lawmakers to support NIST's efforts. Signatories include major companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The coalition’s call to action emphasizes national security and competitiveness in the global AI landscape. Unlike California’s SB 1047, which imposed enforceable obligations, the federal bills advocate for voluntary best practices. With limited time left in the legislative session, lawmakers face pressure to pass AI legislation backed by industry leaders.

Read More - theregister