Atlantic Council to Continue Work Under State Department’s AI Connect II

The Department of State has awarded the Atlantic Council think tank a cooperative agreement to continue work under the “Promoting American Leadership, Democratic Values, and Economic Prosperity in Artificial Intelligence” initiative.

Under the AI Connect II initiative, the Atlantic Council will implement a project funded by the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy’s Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership. The project promotes an open, interoperable, reliable and secure digital economy.

The think tank will also work with policymakers, private sector representatives and other experts from the United States and other countries in developing robust AI strategies, forging stronger AI development partnerships and promoting a more inclusive AI landscape.

AI Connect II is designed to foster responsible AI development, use and global distribution, the State Department said.

The federal agency has been staying on top of AI progress in recent months.

In November, the State Department introduced the “Enterprise Artificial Intelligence Strategy FY 2024-2025: Empowering Diplomacy through Responsible AI.” The guidance aims to promote the use of secure AI infrastructure, cultivate an AI-friendly culture and foster responsible AI use and promote innovation.

In June, the department sought ways to use AI and automation tools to improve Freedom of Information Act requests.