The White House has released a National Security Memorandum (NSM) focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), outlining essential actions for the federal government to enhance the safe, secure, and trustworthy advancement of this technology in alignment with US national security interests. Key initiatives include monitoring and countering adversarial advancements and applications of AI. Additionally, the memorandum seeks to influence international standards for AI governance to align with democratic principles. This document builds upon President Joe Biden’s October 2023 Executive Order aimed at establishing new benchmarks for AI safety and security, as well as the international Bletchley Declaration on responsible AI development made in November 2023. “The NSM is intended to spur federal agencies to adopt AI in ways that further the national security mission, ensuring that this adoption upholds democratic values while safeguarding human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy, ” stated the White House. **Key Actions Outlined in the National Security Memorandum** The NSM outlines several vital actions for federal entities to guarantee that AI serves national security objectives: 1. Enhance the security and diversity of semiconductor chip supply chains and ensure that the US fosters the next generation of government supercomputers and other emerging technologies with AI considerations. 2. Direct US intelligence agencies to prioritize the tracking of competitor activities targeting the US AI sector, enabling developers to access timely cybersecurity and counterintelligence insights for protecting their innovations. 3. Designate the AI Safety Institute as the primary liaison for the AI industry with the US government. The memorandum includes enhanced and streamlined frameworks for the AI Safety Institute to collaborate with national security bodies, including intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. 4. Emphasize the National AI Research Resource, whose pilot program is already in motion, to support researchers from universities, civil society, and small businesses in conducting impactful AI research. 5.

Provide guidance to ensure that AI systems support national security efforts and align with democratic ideals. 6. Instruct agencies to propose streamlined procurement processes and facilitate collaboration with non-traditional vendors regarding AI systems. 7. Establish a framework to promote AI governance and risk management within the national security realm, incorporating mandates for agencies to monitor and address AI-related risks tied to privacy, bias, discrimination, individual safety, and human rights violations. 8. Direct the US government to partner with allies and collaborators to create a stable, responsible, and rights-respecting governance structure. Commenting on the memorandum, National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard emphasized that this NSM marks an important move by the US government to ensure its leadership in AI. “Today, the President is issuing the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The core idea is that AI will significantly impact national security. The AI NSM lays out objectives to empower the US Government to leverage advanced AI technologies and foster international agreement and governance concerning AI, ” he elaborated.