The Department of Homeland Security is now seeking AI experts to help "advance" its intelligence operations.
The new "AI Corps" will be modeled after the US Digital Service division and is expected to "enhance our work combating" drug traffickers, child exploitation, cyberattacks, disasters, and border security.
The Homeland Security cited AI applications on facial recognition, object detection, and machine vision among the primary criteria
NEW: @SecMayorkas and Chief Information Officer & Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen announced the Department’s first-ever hiring sprint to recruit 50 AI technology experts in 2024. Learn More: https://t.co/Kof92xeAn7 pic.twitter.com/HuGcGNw5Eq
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) February 6, 2024
At least 50 personnel are expected to be recruited over the following years.
The recruitment ad was made after House Republicans failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his handling of the migrant surge across the US-Mexico border.
US Gov't Ramps Up AI Uses for State Surveillance, Intelligence Operations
The US government has been expanding the application of AI technology across its intelligence departments at breakneck speed as it keeps up with innovations in the tech industry.
As of writing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency have built their own AI specialist units for counter-intelligence and facial recognition operations.
Axios also reported last November that the US is slowly building a "virtual wall" at its southern border with hundreds of high-tech surveillance towers, many of which use AI to detect people crossing.
The increase in AI and high-tech use in state surveillance follows after the administration approved a budget increase for Homeland Security from $97.3 billion in 2023 to $103.2 billion this year.
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Concerns on US Gov't Plan to Go 'All-In on AI'
While the government has been ramping up integration of AI into its arsenals, watchdogs and security experts are worried about the lack of a government-wide standard in AI use.
One of the main concerns would be the lack of transparency and possible data privacy violations that plague the AI industry now.
In fact, several lawmakers earlier criticized the FBI for allowing its operative to use facial recognition AI without completing the necessary training and guidance before handling it.
Aside from business regulations, there is no final course of action yet regarding the proper use of AI in security, data collection, and surveillance.
