Congress took an important step this week to establish rules for use of new, emerging technology. Senate and House negotiators called for the creation of a National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence as part of the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Commission is tasked to look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is used for national security and defense needs, including ethical considerations which will help set the parameters for the Department of Defense’s use of AI. 

We are encouraged by this development. The success of the Commission could generate interest from other areas of government and Congress would be right in considering a similar approach for addressing develop clear ethical principles for the use of AI in other areas and, if needed, regulations. Earlier this month, we suggested that Congress create a bipartisan expert commission to provide guidance on the use of facial recognition technology given its broad societal ramifications and potential for abuse. 

Congress is expected to pass the NDAA soon. Once they do, we look forward to engaging with the Commission on this important topic. The use of AI can be beneficial but it also raises challenges. We believe that it is critical for Congress to address ethical issues as the use of AI technologies become more pervasive. It's an important dialogue that we must have.