Menendez, Pfluger Introduce Legislation to Protect Communities from AI-Driven Cyberattacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Rob Menendez (D-NJ) and August Pfluger (R-TX) introduced the AI for Secure Networks Act, legislation to strengthen the cybersecurity of America's telecommunications networks and protect communities from the growing threat of cyberattacks, while encouraging artificial intelligence innovation. This effort comes after an increase in cyber attacks that threaten the security of Americans' sensitive data and the systems we rely on every day - including phone service, emergency communications, financial transactions, and access to critical services.

"Artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential to strengthen the security and resilience of the telecommunications networks Americans rely on every day," said Congressman Menendez. "As these networks face increasing threats that could disrupt phone service, block access to financial services, or impede emergency response during disasters, we need forward-looking and innovative solutions to protect American families. I look forward to working to pass this legislation to protect our critical infrastructure, safeguard Americans' personal data, and keep our communities safe."

"Americans' phone calls, texts, and data travel across networks that are facing a sharp rise in cyberattacks," said Congressman Pfluger. "Recent reporting revealed millions of attacks on U.S. telecommunications providers in a single year, a double-digit percentage spike costing billions of dollars in losses worldwide and putting Americans' privacy and security at risk. While artificial intelligence has unfortunately given our adversaries powerful new tools to launch mass cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, AI can, and should, also be used to harden and defend those same systems. That's why I'm proud to lead the bipartisan, common-sense AI for Secure Networks Act to harness AI to strengthen real-time threat detection, boost resiliency and interoperability, and make our next-generation networks more secure and efficient. The threat is real, and the United States must act now to secure our networks for the future."

The AI for Secure Networks Act directs the federal government to examine how AI can be responsibly used to strengthen the security and resilience of telecommunications networks. This legislation requires a report to Congress that includes:

• Findings on how AI can be used to improve the security of telecommunication networks through real time threat and malware detection;
• An evaluation of AI's role in enhancing network security alongside Open Radio Access technology and virtualized security technology; and
• An assessment of the cybersecurity risks posed by the misuse of AI.

Congressman Rob Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittees on Communications and Technology. The House recently passed Menendez's bipartisan Communications Security Act which makes permanent the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council within the Federal Communications Commission. In the 118th Congress, Menendez served on the House Committee on Homeland Security during which the Committee passed his legislation, the DHS International Cyber Partnership Act. To learn more about his work, click here.

To read the bill text, please click here.

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