Staffed with experts

US government now has AI safety advisory panel

The advisory council was founded at the request of US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.(Bild: APA/AFP/SAUL LOEB)

An advisory committee on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) has been set up in the US, made up of the CEOs of several technology companies. It will help the US government to tackle potential AI-related disruptions that could affect "national or economic security, healthcare or security", according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The 22 members of the committee include the heads of major technology companies, including the ChatGPT developer OpenAI and the software giants Microsoft, Google, Adobe and IBM. It also includes researchers and politicians - including the Governor of the US state of Maryland, Wes Moore.

The AI Council will support the Department of Homeland Security in "staying one step ahead of threats from hostile national actors and strengthening our national security", the statement continued. AI is a tool that brings with it "fundamental innovations" - but also "real risks", explained Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

First meeting imminent
The advisory panel is due to meet for the first time at the beginning of May to make recommendations for the safe use of AI for "essential services" for the everyday lives of US citizens. The statement mentioned possible "faster and more comprehensive" attacks on targets such as pipelines, railroads and other critical infrastructure.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, a member of the council, said that artificial intelligence is the "most innovative technology of our time" and added: "We must ensure that it is used safely and responsibly."