The Department of Homeland Security is harnessing artificial intelligence, according to a memo by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas explaining the department will use AI to keep Americans safe while implementing safeguards to ensure civil rights, privacy rights and the U.S. Constitution are not violated. The DHS appointed Eric Hysen as chief AI officer, moving him into the role from his previous post as CIO. “DHS must master this technology, applying it effectively and building a world class workforce that can reap the benefits of Al, while meeting the threats posed by adversaries that wield Al,” Mayorkas wrote.

“At the same time, we must also ensure that our use of Al is responsible and trustworthy, that it is rigorously tested to be effective, that it safeguards privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties while avoiding inappropriate biases, and to the extent possible, that it is transparent and explainable to those whom we serve,” Mayorkas continued in new guidelines issued in a policy memo.

“The policies target the department’s potentially discriminatory uses of AI and its testing practices for facial recognition technologies,” writes Politico Pro, which says “the new policies were developed by a department task force on AI and align the DHS with the Biden administration’s call to federal agencies to manage the risks of their use of the emerging technology.”

Mayorkas announced that Hysen has been appointed the department’s first chief AI officer. “In that role, Hysen will promote AI innovation and safety at DHS, and advise Mayorkas and department leadership on AI issues,” writes The Hill, adding that Hysen will continue to serve in his role as the department’s chief information officer as well.

The DHS uses AI to in combatting fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking, as well as in verifying traveler identities at airports in counter-terrorism initiatives.

Under the new guidelines, the DHS will “only acquire the use of AI in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution and all other applicable laws and policies,” and will not “collect, use, or disseminate data used in AI activities” or “establish AI-enabled systems that make or support decisions, based on the inappropriate consideration” of characteristics such as race, gender or ethnicity.

“The policy requires DHS components to follow a ‘trustworthy AI’ executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in 2020,” writes the Federal News Network, noting that “President Joe Biden is expected to issue his own executive order on AI later this year,” while “the Office of Management and Budget is floating draft AI requirements for federal agencies.”