Senators propose measures to counter AI manipulation

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.
"As we continue to embrace all the opportunities that AI brings, it is imperative that we continue to safeguard against the threats posed by, and to, this new technology," said Senator Mark Warner in a press release.
Toya Jordan Sarno/Bloomberg

Two U.S. senators have introduced legislation designed to improve the tracking and processing of security incidents embedded in artificial intelligence. The proposed bill builds on current efforts within the federal government to monitor cybersecurity vulnerabilities but addresses the unique risks of AI, such as counter-AI, or techniques that manipulate and subvert an AI system. 

On Wednesday, Sen. Mark R. Warren, D-Va., and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., bipartisan co-chairs of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, unveiled the Secure Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024. It requires tweaks to some existing programs, such as that the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, update its National Vulnerability Database, and that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, update its Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Program or devise a new process to track voluntary reports of AI security vulnerabilities.

The bill would also establish new functions, such as a public database to track voluntary reports of AI security and safety incidents and an artificial intelligence security center at the National Security Agency to boost AI research among the private sector and academics with a subsidized research test bed, and develop guidance around counter-AI techniques.

"As we continue to embrace all the opportunities that AI brings, it is imperative that we continue to safeguard against the threats posed by, and to, this new technology," said Warner in a press release. "Information sharing between the federal government and the private sector plays a crucial role."

Several companies and organizations involved in AI spoke in support of the bill.

"IBM is proud to support the Secure AI Act that expands the current work of NIST, Department of Homeland Security, and the NSA and addresses safety and security incidents in AI systems," said Christopher Padilla, vice president of government and regulatory affairs for IBM, in a release. "We commend Senator Warner and Senator Tillis for building upon existing voluntary mechanisms to help harmonize efforts across the government."

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