Artificial Intelligence

State Dept. seeks employee volunteers to test AI chatbot

The State Department is piloting an internal chatbot backed by artificial intelligence technology, and will leverage internal sensitive but unclassified data.

Emerging Tech

FTC names winners in AI voice authentication challenge

Winners came from the private sector and academia as the agency continues its crackdown on AI-generated voice cloning.

Artificial Intelligence

5 agencies join Justice in pledge to protect civil rights against AI-fueled discrimination

The agencies pledged to use their existing enforcement authorities to tackle cases where artificial intelligence may impact Americans’ civil rights.

Artificial Intelligence

US, EU update shared AI taxonomy, unveil new research alliance

At the conclusion of the sixth meeting of the US-EU Trade and Technology Council, leaders focused on creating uniformity in AI terminology and continuing transatlantic collaboration.

Emerging Tech

FTC rejects software companies’ bid to use facial recognition to verify user age

The Federal Trade Commission voted unanimously against approving a software verification tool that would use biometrics to meet requirements under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule.

Emerging Tech

Deepfakes will be a ‘big problem’ for the 2024 election, officials say

Leaders from the Federal Election Commission and the National Intelligence Council noted that bad actors’ capabilities are increasing, while the government’s policing capabilities remain limited.

Artificial Intelligence

NTIA's latest policy recommendations look to improve AI accountability

The new AI Accountability Policy Report from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration calls for independent audits and transparency in training data for artificial intelligence systems.

Artificial Intelligence

New White House policy mandates safeguards for federal AI use

The White House also announced new hiring goals for AI talent, a request for information on the procurement of AI and more.

Cybersecurity

Some banks moving too slow to address AI-powered cyberthreats, Treasury says

The agency’s findings will be distributed to Capitol Hill with the hope of drumming up legislation or other initiatives to study the risks.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmakers seek details on Biden administration’s AI workforce efforts

The New Democrat Coalition urged OSTP’s Arati Prabhakar to prioritize the development of a “robust federal workforce.”

Artificial Intelligence

NIST’s new AI safety institute to focus on synthetic content, international outreach

Inaugural U.S. AI Safety Institute Director Elizabeth Kelly said she aims for the new NIST initiative to become the “leading safety institute in the world.”

Artificial Intelligence

Pentagon’s outgoing AI chief warns Congress on safety, accuracy risks of the emerging tech

Craig Martell, the DOD’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, warned that ensuring the accuracy and value of large language models will be the “biggest charge” for his successor.

Artificial Intelligence

UN approves resolution on AI safety and advancement

In an effort spearheaded by the U.S., a coalition of 193 countries — including China — have agreed to pursue the promising potential of artificial intelligence systems while mitigating their risks.

People

NIST taps Kevin Stine to lead its IT lab

The Information Technology Laboratory has been at the heart of many of NIST’s landmark technology publications.

Artificial Intelligence

DHS unveils new AI roadmap

The plan for artificial intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security comes alongside three new AI pilot programs, with aims to both harness the benefits and monitor emerging risks of the technology.

People

State selects 4 new Science Envoys

Four U.S. scientists and researchers will work in the State Department’s Science Envoy Program.

Emerging Tech

NSF Report shows US-China AI rivalry sharpening

The National Science Foundation’s State of U.S. Science and Engineering documents Chinese leadership in AI patents, and U.S. leadership says workforce is the solution.

Artificial Intelligence

Hickenlooper engages experts to develop AI safety legislation

Industry experts and other stakeholders are among entities who received a questionnaire from the Colorado Democrat that aims to inform the development of AI safety auditing policy.

Digital Government

US, EU recommend protections for human rights defenders online

The U.S. State Department and the European Union released an approach for protecting human rights defenders from online attacks.

Emerging Tech

House Science chairman looks to pass quantum bill

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., highlighted the importance of National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act passage and steady funding for federal research agencies.