The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today unveiled its first Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, which details the department’s plan to test the use of AI technologies that deliver meaningful benefits to the American public and advance homeland security.

Announced by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas (pictured) and Chief Information Officer and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer Eric Hysen, the roadmap starts with three pilot projects. The first pilot will test AI to enhance investigative processes focused on detecting fentanyl and increasing the efficiency of investigations related to combating child sexual exploitation.

The second pilot will see the Federal Emergency Management Agency deploy AI to help communities plan for and develop hazard mitigation plans to build resilience and minimize risks. Under the third pilot, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will use AI to improve immigration officer training.

The roadmap lays out DHS’ initiatives in AI and its potential use across the department and provides visibility into the department’s approach to AI. It will do so while also underscoring the Department’s commitment to responsible use.

The AI roadmap outlines three lines of effort DHS is using to guide its work, starting with the responsible leveraging of AI to advance Homeland Security missions while protecting individuals’ privacy, civil rights and civil liberties. The roadmap details how advances in AI will revolutionize the delivery of essential goods and services and that AI can create tremendous efficiencies and benefits, but it can also present new and novel risks.

The roadmap also sets as a goal of DHS leading in AI through strong cohesive partnerships, with an aim to foster relationships with the private sector, academia, state, local, territorial and tribal governments, international partners, non-government organizations, research institutions and thought leaders to accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions.

The DHS added to the roadmap that it is committed to transparency and visibility in the department’s vision for AI. To ensure responsible use, DHS will share information and engage with communities, advocates, and partners to demonstrate responsible AI use.

“The unprecedented speed and potential of AI’s development and adoption presents both enormous opportunities to advance our mission and risks we must mitigate,” DHS head Mayorkas said in a statement. “The DHS AI roadmap and pilots will guide our efforts this year to strengthen our national security, improve our operations, and provide more efficient services to the American people while upholding our commitment to protect civil rights, civil liberties and privacy.”

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