DHS Releases New Guidelines on AI Acquisition, Appoints First Chief AI Officer

The Department of Homeland Security’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force has developed new policies to ensure the responsible use of AI technology.

The DHS has also appointed Eric Hysen as its first AI officer, concurrent with his position as DHS chief information officer.

The new AITF policies specify ways to ensure that the face recognition and face capture technologies that the department uses are subjected to strict and extensive testing and oversight, DHS said.

As AI officer, Hysen, who also co-chairs the AITF, will be in charge of promoting AI safety and innovation in the DHS. He will also advise Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and DHS leadership on AI issues.

Hysen noted that AI provides the DHS with new ways to accomplish its homeland security mission and that the new policies “will ensure that the department’s use of AI is free from discrimination and in full compliance with the law, ensuring that we retain the public’s trust.” 

DHS activities using AI technologies include combatting drug trafficking, strengthening supply chain security and protecting critical infrastructure.