Google, Microsoft, Nvidia And OpenAI CEOs To Advise US Govt On AI In Critical Infra

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the creation of a new advisory board on Friday in a significant move to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) securely into the nation's critical infrastructure.

Comprising CEOs from leading tech firms including OpenAI, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and Nvidia, the board is tasked with developing strategic recommendations to shield vital sectors from AI-related disruptions.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that the practical focus of the 22-member board, which will address the application of AI across critical services impacting national security, public health, or safety. 

The board includes not only tech industry leaders like Sam Altman of OpenAI and Sundar Pichai of Alphabet but also executives from sectors such as transportation and energy, like Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian and Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub. Additional members include Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

The initiative comes in response to DHS's 2024 threat assessment, which warned of the potential for AI-assisted tools to facilitate more sophisticated cyberattacks on US infrastructure, including pipelines and railways. The assessment also noted concerns about international competitors like China developing AI technologies that could compromise US cyber defenses.

Scheduled to meet for the first time next month with quarterly meetings planned thereafter, the board aims to harness the expertise of these tech giants to propose effective solutions for the safe deployment of AI technologies.