Ensuring That Government Use of Technology Serves the Public

Transcript

Benjamin Boudreaux, Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation

The U.S. government frequently deploys emerging technologies that directly affect Americans. For example, DHS uses artificial intelligence and other technologies that can recognize human faces, track mobile phone location and analyze social media activity. These technologies are purported to bring a variety of benefits to government missions, for instance, by increasing the speed and accuracy of decision making.

However, the potential of government use of emerging technologies to keep Americans safe is subject to several important considerations. This includes an accurate assessment of the benefits and risks of the technology and the public's trust that these rapidly advancing technologies are used responsibly.

Key stakeholders such as members of Congress from both parties, technology companies and A.I. researchers have raised concerns about government use of emerging technologies. These concerns include risks that government applications violate privacy and civil liberties, exacerbate inequity and lack appropriate transparency and other safeguards.

Drawing on RAND research conducted for DHS, I suggest three recommendations for the government when it is considering deploying new technology.

First, the government can take steps to ensure that long standing core American values apply to new technologies. The U.S. government is committed to values such as privacy and civil liberties, equity and nondiscrimination, and oversight and accountability. Even if newly available technologies, including AI systems and advanced robotics, assist in government missions, the protection of core values is also essential for keeping Americans safe.

Second, details of the technology and specific government application matter for responsible deployment. Congress can help ensure that agencies take a coherent and a risk informed approach and that government end users are precise about their goals for a technology, the specific context of use, and the relevant authorities.

Third, new technology deployments are an opportunity for public engagement. The government should collaborate with stakeholders and communities to ensure that technology is used in ways the public supports.