In a move that has raised eyebrows, the US Secret Service is making its first foray into the world of artificial intelligence (AI). The agency has reportedly spent over $50,000 on cloud services from Microsoft Azure and OpenAI, indicating a growing interest in leveraging AI technology for its operations. However, the Secret Service remains conspicuously silent about the specific applications it has in mind for this technology. This information came to light through documents obtained by 404 Media, revealing the agency’s growing interest in AI.
The Secret Service has been tight-lipped about its AI plans, citing operational security as the reason for its secrecy. In a memo from September 2023, the agency acknowledged the need for cloud-based AI services but offered no details about their intended use. The Chief Information Office of the Secret Service appears to be spearheading this initiative, which could extend through June of this year.
Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service boasts a wide range of features, including chatbot development and predictive analytics, making it suitable for a variety of applications. However, the Secret Service has remained elusive when pressed about whether this AI technology might play a role in future criminal prosecutions. They have simply reiterated that all technology used by the agency must meet its strict security standards.
This move by the Secret Service aligns with broader shifts in US federal policy regarding AI. The White House, in March, unveiled a new policy aimed at ensuring responsible use of AI by federal agencies. This policy emphasizes the need for appropriate safeguards, particularly when AI could potentially impact the rights or safety of American citizens. Federal agencies are also required to maintain inventories of their AI projects, although sensitive projects are allowed to be kept confidential.
Interestingly, the Secret Service’s investment comes on the heels of Microsoft developing a version of GPT-4 specifically for US intelligence agencies. The use of AI in federal work is clearly on the rise, with the US Agency for International Development becoming the first federal agency to adopt ChatGPT Enterprise earlier this year.
While the Secret Service remains tight-lipped about its AI plans, its investment in this technology raises intriguing questions about the future of security operations. As the agency explores the possibilities of AI, the public is left to wonder what AI-powered tools are being developed behind the scenes and how they might impact the agency’s ability to protect high-profile individuals.
