Key Takeaways
- Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is conducting a study on the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities.
- The study will examine how Canadian security agencies define, use, and oversee AI technologies, and identify potential gaps or risks that require attention.
- The review agency has the statutory right to access all information held by departments and agencies under examination, including classified and privileged material.
- 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 that might require attention.
- Canadian security agencies, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the RCMP, and the Communications Security Establishment, have already begun to implement AI pilot programs and develop strategies for responsible AI use.
Introduction to the Study
The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency of Canada has launched a study to examine the use and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in national security activities. The agency has informed key federal ministers and organizations of the study, which 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. The study is a significant step towards ensuring that Canada’s security agencies are using AI in a responsible and transparent manner. Canadian security agencies have already begun to use AI for various tasks, including translation of documents, detection of malware threats, and analysis of large volumes of data.
Scope of the Study
The study will examine how the security community defines, uses, and oversees aspects of AI technologies. The review agency has the statutory right to access all information held by departments and agencies under examination, including classified and privileged material, with the exception of cabinet confidences. The agency may request information in various forms, including documents, written explanations, briefings, interviews, surveys, and system access. The study may also involve independent inspections of some technical systems. The agency has sent a letter to multiple cabinet members, including the Prime Minister, and heads of agencies with major security roles, informing them of the study and requesting their cooperation.
Response from Security Agencies
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has responded to the study, stating that it embraces independent examination of national security and intelligence activities. The RCMP believes that establishing transparent and accountable external review processes is critical to maintaining public confidence and trust. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) have also acknowledged the importance of transparency about AI, but have noted that there are limitations on what can be disclosed publicly, given their security mandates. The CSIS has implemented AI pilot programs across the agency, consistent with the federal government’s guiding principles for the use of AI.
Guiding Principles for AI Use
The federal government has established principles for the use of AI, including promoting openness about how, why, and when AI is 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 CSE has developed an artificial intelligence strategy, which commits 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.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability
The study highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of AI in national security activities. The RCMP has noted that careful system design, respect for privacy, transparency about how AI systems make decisions, and accountability measures are essential to ensuring that AI is used legally, ethically, and responsibly. The CSE’s strategy also emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in the adoption of AI, with a focus on rigorous testing and evaluation, and keeping highly trained and expert humans in the loop. The study’s findings will provide valuable insights into the use of AI in national security activities and will help guide future reviews and decision-making.
Conclusion
The study by the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is a significant step towards ensuring that Canada’s security agencies are using AI in a responsible and transparent manner. 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 that might require attention. The importance of transparency and accountability in the use of AI in national security activities cannot be overstated, and the study’s emphasis on these principles is a positive step towards ensuring that Canada’s security agencies are using AI in a way that is consistent with Canadian values and principles.
