donald trump designated Jay Clayton, Director of National Intelligenceto lead the news Intelligence superforce (SIF), a federal working group dedicated to artificial intelligence. The American president thus continues to use the expression “superintelligence” to designate a technology that he considers strategic in international competition.
Jay Clayton takes charge of federal AI policy
Clayton will chair the group, accompanied by three vice presidents: Andrew Ferguson, head of the Federal Trade Commission, Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s chief technology officer, and Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management.
This announcement specifies the AI Force project presented in September. The new structure will have to coordinate the government’s relations with AI companies, critical infrastructure operators, public interest organizations, consumers and various civil society actors.
120 days to define the role of the government
SIF will have 120 days examine the opportunities and risks associated with AI systems and clarify the desirable degree of intervention by federal authorities. The group will also have to study what steps Congress could take.
Its creation comes a few days after the conclusion of a voluntary agreement with several AI giants, which includes security controls and audits.
Rivalry with China remains at the forefront
For Jay Clayton, maintaining American leadership is a matter of national security. “The risk of not being the first is high” Clayton believes, referring of course to technological competition with China.
This new line expands the strategy of an administration that has already rejected calls to significantly slow down the development of AI. The Super Intelligence Force will now have to transform this political priority into concrete recommendations, on the border between innovation, national security and technological supervision.
