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.

Recap of Episode 26: AI Systems Assessment and Risk Management with Mina Narayanan

Mina Narayanan, a Research Analyst of AI Assessment at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology, joins this episode of AI, Government, and the Future to discuss challenges in assessing AI systems and managing associated risks. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of AI assessment, emphasizing  the need for standards and testing to address bias and risks. Mina also highlights  the role of industry, funding, and government in shaping effective AI oversight.

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Spotlight

U.S. Defense Contractors: Analyzing China's Ongoing Interactions 

A new report reveals that only 4% of defense contractors meet minimum cybersecurity standards, posing a serious national security risk. The U.S. faces growing cyber threats, especially from China, as Beijing-linked hackers target critical sectors. Despite 75% of contractors believing they are compliant, many fall short of basic cybersecurity practices. This issue extends beyond defense contractors, raising concerns about the security of U.S. critical infrastructure. The report stresses the need for accountability, with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) set to enforce audits by 2025. Cost is not seen as a valid excuse for non-compliance, and contractors failing to meet standard risk penalties and exclusion from future Department of Defense contracts.

Read More - nextgov

The Number 

$75.13 Billion 

In fiscal year 2022, federal government spending on AI reached $3.3 billion, a 2.5-fold increase from $1.3 billion in 2017. The projected United States federal IT budget for 2025 is $75.13 billion, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and AI. The Department of Defense has significantly driven AI spending, with AI-related federal contracts rising nearly 1,200% from $355 million in August 2022 to $4.6 billion in August 2023. The United States is also set to be the world’s largest market for AI-driven systems, accounting for over 50% of global AI spending.

In-Depth 

AI Disclaimers: A Public Demand for Clarity and Accountability

In advance of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has decided that current regulations extend to AI-generated content in political ads, though disclaimers cannot be mandated at this stage. Commissioner Shana Broussard noted that public feedback shows strong support for disclaimers on synthetic content. She emphasized the FEC’s challenge of balancing free speech with fair elections in the AI era. Legislative action is underway in Congress to address these concerns, and major tech companies have begun taking voluntary measures to limit the spread of synthetic political content.

Read More - nextgov

How Generative AI is Reshaping Cybersecurity Team 

A recent report found that about 50% of cybersecurity professionals believe that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) could make certain technical skills and roles obsolete. However, the specific skills at risk remain unclear. Due to this uncertainty, many hiring managers are prioritizing candidates with soft skills, such as problem-solving and communication, while only a small percentage actively seek candidates with AI and machine learning expertise.  However, more than a third of non-hiring managers consider AI skills essential for cyber professionals. Some cyber teams are already using GenAI for tasks like information retrieval, though data privacy and security risks remain a concern. While governments lag behind other industries in adopting GenAI, U.S. state  CISOs are more aligned with this trend. Many organizations see a need for additional regulations on Gen AI usage, including cyber teams in AI, strategy development may help address these challenges.

Read More - govtech