Key Takeaways
- The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is conducting a study on the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities in Canada.
- The study will examine how Canadian security agencies define, use, and oversee AI technologies, and will provide insights into the use of new and emerging tools.
- 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 help guide future reviews and highlight potential gaps or risks that may require attention.
- Canadian security agencies, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the RCMP, and the Communications Security Establishment, are already using AI for various tasks, such as translation of documents and detection of malware threats.
Introduction to the Study
The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has launched a study to examine the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities in Canada. The study will provide insights into the use of new and emerging tools, help guide future reviews, and highlight potential gaps or risks that may require attention. The review agency has informed key federal ministers and organizations of the study, which will look at how the security community defines, uses, and oversees aspects of AI technologies. Canadian security agencies have used AI for tasks ranging from translation of documents to detection of malware threats, and the study will examine the current state of AI use in national security activities.
Scope of the Study
The study will be comprehensive in scope, with the review agency having the statutory right to access all information held by departments and agencies under examination, including classified and privileged material. The agency will request information from various sources, including documents, written explanations, briefings, interviews, surveys, and system access. The study may also include independent inspections of some technical systems. The letter informing key federal ministers and organizations of the study was sent to multiple cabinet members, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, among others.
Response from Security Agencies
The RCMP has responded to the study, saying 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. In 2024, a report from a federal advisory body called on Canada’s security agencies to publish detailed descriptions of their current and intended uses of artificial intelligence systems and software applications. The National Security Transparency Advisory Group predicted increasing reliance on the technology to analyze large volumes of text and images, recognize patterns, and interpret trends and behavior.
Use of AI in National Security
Canadian security agencies are already using AI for various tasks, such as translation of documents and detection of malware threats. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) have acknowledged the importance of transparency about AI, but have also noted that there are limitations on what can be disclosed publicly, given their security mandates. The federal government’s principles for the use of AI include 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.
Guiding Principles for AI Use
The federal government’s principles for the use of AI 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 principles emphasize the importance of careful system design to avoid bias and discrimination, respect for privacy during information analysis, transparency about how an AI system makes decisions, and accountability measures to ensure proper functioning. The CSE’s artificial intelligence strategy 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.
Conclusion
The study on the use and governance of artificial intelligence in national security activities in Canada is an important step towards ensuring that AI is used in a responsible and transparent manner. The review agency’s findings will provide valuable insights into the use of new and emerging tools, and will help guide future reviews and highlight potential gaps or risks that may require attention. As Canada’s security agencies continue to use AI for various tasks, it is essential that they prioritize transparency, accountability, and responsible use of this technology to maintain public confidence and trust.