In a recent memo, the Space Force implemented a temporary ban prohibiting its Guardians from using personal generative AI accounts while on duty.
The September 29th memo, issued by Lisa Costa, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Technology and Innovation, aims to provide guidance on the responsible use of generative AI and large language models.
“A strategic pause on the secure integration of generative AI and large language models within the U.S. Space Force has been implemented as we determine the best path forward to align this capability into the USSF mission,” Space Force spokesperson Major Tanya Downsworth told Decrypt.
While the memo did not call out a specific AI model, the Space Force is the latest U.S. government body to acknowledge the proliferation of AI tools and attempt to implement policies around their use. In July, the Chief Administrative Office of the U.S. House of Representatives advised staffers to limit the use of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, permitting only the premium ChatGPT Plus under certain conditions.
“Every Guardian has the responsibility to comply with all cybersecurity, data handling, and procurement requirements when purchasing and using [generative AI],” Costa wrote.
Although the department does not track the number of Guardians using generative AI, it does monitor network activity. Concerns around cybersecurity and privacy have become paramount as policymakers and companies navigate the rapid emergence of sophisticated models like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Anthropic’s Claude.
Earlier this year, Apple and Samsung banned employees from using ChatGPT over fears of data and intellectual property (IP) loss. The Space Force memo similarly listed precautions for employees, including requiring AI trials be approved and personal accounts not be affiliated with government identities or data.
“These technologies will undoubtedly revolutionize our workforce and enhance Guardians’ ability to operate at speed in areas such as space domain awareness and command and control,” said Downsworth. “The Space Force’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) is actively involved in the Department of Defense’s GenAI task force, TF-Lima, which aims to harness the power of these technologies in a responsible and strategic manner.”
Despite optimism about AI’s potential, the Space Force’s “strategic pause” aims to thoughtfully integrate generative AI while protecting data and national security interests. For now, security fears have led to a ban on personal AI use for Guardians on duty.
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