Key Takeaways
- Canada’s spy watchdog, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, is conducting a review of the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities.
- The review will examine how Canadian security agencies define, use, and oversee AI technologies, and identify potential gaps or risks.
- The review will provide insights into the use of new and emerging tools, help guide future reviews, and highlight areas that require attention.
- Canadian security agencies have used AI for tasks such as translation, malware detection, and data analysis.
- The federal government has established principles for the use of AI, including promoting openness, assessing and managing risks, and providing training for public officials.
Introduction to the Review
The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has launched a study to examine the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities. According to a letter sent to key federal ministers and organizations, the review will provide insights into the use of new and emerging tools, help guide future reviews, and highlight "potential gaps or risks" that might require attention. As review agency chair Marie Deschamps noted, "This review may also include independent inspections of some technical systems." The review is a significant step towards ensuring that Canadian security agencies are using AI in a responsible and transparent manner.
The Use of AI in National Security
Canadian security agencies have been using AI for various tasks, including translation of documents and detection of malware threats. As the article notes, "Canadian security agencies have used AI for tasks ranging from translation of documents to detection of malware threats." The use of AI in national security activities is expected to increase, with a federal advisory body predicting that security agencies will rely more heavily on the technology to analyze large volumes of text and images, recognize patterns, and interpret trends and behavior. The National Security Transparency Advisory Group has called on Canada’s security agencies to publish detailed descriptions of their current and intended uses of artificial intelligence systems and software applications.
Guiding Principles for AI Use
The federal government has established principles for the use of AI, including promoting openness about how, why, and when it is employed, and assessing and managing any risks AI poses to legal rights and democratic norms at an early stage. As the article notes, "The federal government’s principles for the use of AI include promoting openness about how, why and when it employed, and assessing and managing any risks AI poses to legal rights and democratic norms at an early stage." The principles also advocate for training for public officials developing or using AI, so that they understand legal, ethical, and operational issues, including privacy and security. The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) has also committed to developing new capabilities to solve critical problems through innovative use of AI and machine learning technologies, championing responsible and secure AI, and countering threats posed by AI-enabled adversaries.
Agency Responses to the Review
The RCMP has responded to the review, stating that it "embraces independent examination of national security and intelligence activities." The Mounties believe that establishing transparent and accountable external review processes is critical to maintaining public confidence and trust. The CSE has also stated that it is committed to developing new capabilities to solve critical problems through innovative use of AI and machine learning technologies. As CSE chief Caroline Xavier notes, "We will always be thoughtful and rule-bound in our adoption of AI, keeping responsibility and accountability at the core of how we will achieve our goals." The review is an opportunity for Canadian security agencies to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability in their use of AI.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The review of the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities is an important step towards ensuring that Canadian security agencies are using AI in a responsible and transparent manner. As the review agency chair Marie Deschamps noted, the study’s findings will provide insights into the use of new and emerging tools, help guide future reviews, and highlight potential gaps or risks. The review is expected to provide valuable insights into the use of AI in national security activities and will help to inform future reviews and decision-making. As the article concludes, "The review is a significant step towards ensuring that Canadian security agencies are using AI in a responsible and transparent manner."
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-national-security-review-artificial-intelligence/
