Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been dubbed the “ultimate disruptive technology” by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco of the Department of Justice (DOJ), who recently hinted at the department’s intent to develop an in-depth strategy for addressing the misuse of AI. In her speech at Oxford University, Monaco underscored the increasing risks that accompany AI’s misuse and how it can lower entry barriers for criminals.
The DOJ, under Monaco’s direction, is reported to be “laser-focused” on these accelerating threats and is looking into more potent sentences for crimes heavily impacted by malicious AI use. Where gaps in the law exist, the DOJ aims to spearhead efforts to close them. Monaco also advised that AI is at the very top of DOJ’s enforcement priority list signaling prompt action against its potential dangers.
The advent of the DOJ’s initiative in this arena indicates the realization of the risks, challenges and unique issues that may emerge in AI-related enforcement, including the practicalities of creating an AI system capable of effectively mitigating these threats. For a detailed elaboration of the DOJ’s plans and the potential roadblocks it might run into, read an in-depth analysis on this topic here.