The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: DHS Assistant Secretary Mary Ellen Callahan on AI Threats

Jul 15, 2024

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Mary Ellen discusses the DHS's report on AI threats and CBRN risks. The conversation explores gaps in regulations, efforts to enhance AI expertise in government, and the importance of addressing potential misuse of AI in national security and biodefense. The podcast also touches on the role of AI in threat detection and regulation, highlighting the need for incremental changes to mitigate risks effectively.

39:51

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Episode guests

Mary Ellen Callahan

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The DHS report highlights the need for upskilling in AI expertise to address CBRN threats.

Collaborative efforts with AI labs aim to minimize risks in combating CBRN threats through safety and security standards.

Deep dives

Addressing the Misuse of AI for Weapons of Mass Destruction

The podcast delves into the DHS's report on AI's potential misuses leading to the production of CBRN threats, emphasizing collaboration to mitigate risks and prevent the creation of novel pathogens. The report highlights the comprehensive approach taken, including research, engagement with AI labs, and the upskilling needed to navigate the AI-WMD domain.

Intro

3min

Developing a Report on CBRN Threats in the Context of AI

18min

Exploring the Dual Use of AI in National Security and Biodefense

3min

Clean Eating with Green Chef and Privacy Protection with DeleteMe

8min

The Role of AI in Addressing Threats and Regulation

12min

Discussion on AI Threats and Opportunities in the Federal Government

5min

Mary Ellen Callahan, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, joins Kevin Frazier, a Tarbell Fellow at Lawfare, to discuss the DHS’s recently released report on the potential of AI to lead to the production of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. Assistant Secretary Callahan shares the origins of the report, its key findings, and DHS’s next steps. This conversation also explores pre-existing enforcement gaps in biological and chemical regulations and ongoing efforts to bolster AI expertise in the federal government. The DHS report is available here. More information on the AI Corps is available here.

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