US Space Force pauses use of AI tools like ChatGPT over data security risks
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It said the temporary ban was “due to data aggregation risks”.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – The United States Space Force has paused the use of web-based generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for its workforce over data security concerns, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
A memo dated Sept 29 and addressed to Guardians, the name Space Force calls its workforce, prohibits personnel from using such AI tools including large-language models on government computers until they receive formal approval by the force’s Chief Technology and Innovation Office.
It said the temporary ban was “due to data aggregation risks”.
Uses of generative AI, powered by large language models that ingest huge troves of past data to learn, have exploded in the past year, underpinning ever-evolving products such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT
Dr Lisa Costa, Space Force’s chief technology and innovation officer, said in the memo that the technology “will undoubtedly revolutionise our workforce and enhance Guardians’ ability to operate at speed”.
An Air Force spokeswoman confirmed the temporary ban, which was first reported by Bloomberg.
“A strategic pause on the use of generative AI and large language models within the US Space Force has been implemented as we determine the best path forward to integrate these capabilities into Guardians’ roles and the Space Force mission,” Air Force spokeswoman Tanya Downsworth said.
“This is a temporary measure to protect the data of our service and Guardians,” she added.
Dr Costa said in the memo that her office had formed a generative AI task force with other Pentagon offices to mull over ways to use the technology in a “responsible and strategic manner”.
More guidance on Space Force’s use of generative AI would be released in November, she added. REUTERS
