The White House unveiled new regulations on Thursday governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by US national security and intelligence agencies.

Signed by President Joe Biden, the framework is intended to foster AI development while addressing the risks associated with its misuse in surveillance, cyberattacks, and autonomous weapons.

“This is our nation’s first-ever strategy for harnessing the power and managing the risks of AI to advance our national security,” said National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during a speech at the National Defense University in Washington.

The new policy will allow agencies to access advanced AI systems, but with limitations designed to protect civil liberties and constitutional rights. Certain applications, like the automation of nuclear weapons deployment, will be prohibited.

AI has already begun reshaping national security, providing tools for logistics, cyber defense, and intelligence analysis. The framework directs security agencies to increase their use of AI, while prioritizing safeguards. These rules come as part of Biden’s broader executive order on AI, which called for developing clear policies for AI’s use across federal agencies.

The framework also includes provisions for strengthening AI research, improving the security of computer chip supply chains, and protecting American industries from foreign espionage, particularly from China and Russia.

However, civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have voiced concerns about the potential for abuse. “This policy does not go nearly far enough to protect us from dangerous and unaccountable AI systems,” said Patrick Toomey, the ACLU’s deputy director for national security.

Unlike past government-led innovations like space exploration or the internet, AI’s development has been driven by the private sector. This shift makes the collaboration between public and private entities more crucial than ever.

Chris Hatter, chief information security officer at Qwiet.ai, emphasized the need for bipartisan support, noting that AI is poised to transform military operations with autonomous weaponry and decision support systems augmenting human intelligence.

As AI continues to evolve, national security agencies will be expected to navigate both its vast potential and inherent risks, ensuring the US remains competitive while safeguarding citizens’ rights.