Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks today spoke about the Department of Defense’s commitment to becoming a world leader in developing sound ethical policies for the military use of artificial intelligence.
Hicks’ remarks were broadcast remotely at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Defense Forum in Washington.
“Over the past decade, as advances in machine learning bring new advances, we have worked hard at the Department of Defense to become a world leader in establishing responsible policies for the military use of autonomous systems and AI,” Hicks said. he said.
Additionally, he noted that the Pentagon has recently redoubled its efforts and that Pentagon leadership continues to implement executive orders issued by President Joe Biden nearly a year ago on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI to this day. In particular, he pointed out that he was able to stand on the front lines.
“As a result, our AI is more resilient and efficient than ever before,” Hicks said.
Hicks also noted that starting in 2021, the Department of Defense is not only accelerating its efforts to make the U.S. military more data-driven, modernized, and powered by AI, but also strengthening the U.S. military. did. But we also ensured compliance with ethical principles for AI, updated the Department of Defense’s Responsible Use Policy and Directives, and issued new strategies, guidelines, guardrails, and practical toolkits and apps.
“We are pleased to see these resources now available to many companies outside of the Department of Defense, including other U.S. government agencies, international allies and partners, and major technology companies,” Hicks said. Ta.
Approximately 60 countries, including the United States, have since announced that they now support the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.
According to the declaration’s website, the document was announced at the Summit for Responsible AI in the Military in February 2023 in The Hague and aims to “build international consensus on responsible behavior and encourage countries to develop military AI.” The purpose is to provide guidance in the deployment and use of the system.
“The importance of this study cannot be overstated,” Hicks said. “That’s because our values not only unite us, but also differentiate us from our strategic competitors.”
Hicks noted that the Department of Defense has always been guided by the understanding that AI can only be useful and effective if it is trusted, and that the Pentagon is lagging behind in deploying quality AI. I warned him that I couldn’t afford it.
Hicks then appealed to forum participants, saying they are needed for the Pentagon to maintain its lead in AI.
“It’s not just about speed and security, it’s about safety,” she said.
“Not just quickly, but responsibly,” she continued. “We can’t afford to choose sides. It has to be both.”
