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Overview[]

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) was established by the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

It is comprised of fifteen Commissioners, led by Chairman Eric Schmidt and Vice Chairman Robert Work. Commissioners were appointed by Members of Congress and by the Secretaries of Defense and Commerce. The Commission is bipartisan and Commissioners are drawn from across the country. They bring broad and deep expertise in the private sector, academia, and government.

Mandate[]

The NSCAI's mandate is to "consider the methods and means necessary to advance the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and associated technologies by the United States to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States.”[1]

In carrying out that review, the Commission must consider many factors, including the country's national security needs. This review is not academic. The NDAA requires the Commission to submit three reports to the President and Congress. These reports are to contain the Commission's findings and any recommendations it has “for action by the executive branch and Congress related to artificial intelligence ... including recommendations to more effectively organize the Federal Government.”[2] The reports “shall be made publicly available, but may include a classified annex.”[3]
The Commission was to submit an initial report within 180 days of its creation, and an interim report was due in August 2019. Both reports came late. The Commission will end in October. Before then, the Commission must submit one final report to the President and Congress.[4]

All Commissioners and Commission staff are committed to collaborating with, and providing timely recommendations to, Congress and the executive branch.

Working groups[]

The Commission has established several working groups, including:

  • Working Group #1 Maintaining U.S. Global Leadership in AI Research. The first group is focused on how the U.S. Government, through policy reforms, incentives, or appropriations, can help accelerate academic research and commercial innovation in AI.
  • Working Group #2 Maintaining Global Leadership in AI National Security Applications. The second group is focused on how the U.S. Government can adopt AI applications at speed and scale to protect U.S. national security, including through policy, process, governance, and organizational reforms.
  • Working Group #3 Preparing Our Citizens for an AI Future. The third group is focused on how to overcome challenges and develop incentives to build a world-class, AI-ready national security workforce.
  • Working Group #4 International Competitiveness and Cooperation in AI. The fourth group is considering ways to enhance U.S. global competitiveness, leverage our alliances, and establish norms that advance U.S. values and interests.

References[]

  1. Pub. L. 115-232, §1051(b)(1).
  2. Electronic Privacy Information Center v. National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, 419 F.Supp.3d 82, 83–84 (D.D.C. 2019) (citations omitted).
  3. Id.
  4. Id.

See also[]

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