U.S. Justice Department Appoints Inaugural Chief AI Officer

Jonathan Mayer, a Princeton University professor with a focus on the intersection of technology and law, will serve as the department's chief science and technology adviser, according to a Reuters report.

Mayer's appointment comes as the Justice Department seeks to keep pace with the rapid advancements in science and technology. "The Justice Department must keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and technological developments in order to fulfill our mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe and protect civil rights," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated.

Mayer's expertise spans national security, criminal procedure, consumer privacy, network management, and online speech. His previous roles include serving as the technology adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris during her tenure as a U.S. senator and as the Chief Technologist of the Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau.

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In his new role, Mayer will advise Garland and other DOJ leaders on matters related to emerging technologies. His responsibilities will include guiding the responsible integration of AI into the department’s investigations and criminal prosecutions. Mayer will also head a newly established board comprising law enforcement and civil rights officials. This board will advise the Justice Department on the ethical and effective use of AI systems.

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February 23, 2024

The appointment comes as U.S. officials grapple with the challenge of harnessing the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks posed by this rapidly expanding and loosely regulated technology. The Justice Department has already deployed AI to classify and trace the source of opioids and other drugs, to manage the over one million tips submitted to the FBI annually, and to analyze vast amounts of evidence collected in significant cases, including the January 6 incident.

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U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, in a recent speech at Oxford University, underscored the dual nature of AI. "Every new technology is a double-edged sword, but AI may be the sharpest blade yet. It has the potential to be an indispensable tool to help identify, disrupt, and deter criminals, terrorists, and hostile nation-states from doing us harm," Monaco said.

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However, she also highlighted the potential risks associated with AI, including the amplification of existing biases and discriminatory practices, the creation of harmful content, and the empowerment of nation-states to pursue digital authoritarianism. Monaco also pointed out the potential threat to election security posed by AI, with foreign adversaries potentially using AI to radicalize users on social media, misinform voters, and spread falsehoods.

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Monaco warned, "This year, over half the world’s population – more than four billion people – will have the chance to vote in an election. That includes some of the world’s largest democracies – from the United States to Indonesia and India, from Brazil to here in Britain. We’ve already seen the misuse of AI play out in elections from Chicago and New Hampshire to Slovakia. And I fear it’s just the start. Left without guardrails, AI poses immense challenges for democracies around the world. So, we’re at an inflection point with AI. We have to move quickly to identify, leverage, and govern its positive uses while taking measures to minimize its risks."

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In light of these challenges, Mayer's appointment and the formation of the advisory board represent crucial steps in the Justice Department's efforts to navigate the complex landscape of AI and its implications for the criminal justice system.