SIIA Statement on the National Security Memorandum for Artificial Intelligence

The following statement can be attributed to Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy, the Software & Information Industry Association.

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) welcomes the Administration's issuance of the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The NSM marks a formal recognition of AI as a national security priority and one that requires the government to "act with responsible speed" and in close partnership with industry and other stakeholders. These objectives align with the industry's commitment to building secure AI systems that Americans can trust, as the NSM also prioritizes ensuring that AI technologies deployed by the government are done to further national security interests while upholding rights and democratic values. This balanced approach aligns with the principles SIIA has long advocated, ensuring that AI development is both innovative and responsible.

We appreciate the NSM's focus on protecting AI development from adversarial threats. As the NSM rightfully notes, "[c]eding the United States' technological edge would not only greatly harm American national security, but it would also undermine United States foreign policy objectives and erode safety, human rights, and democratic norms worldwide."Wielding the resources of the federal government to help industry to secure infrastructure and intellectual property from foreign interference will bolster U.S. competitiveness and strengthen U.S. cybersecurity and counterintelligence. By viewing the security of our AI systems as a top-tier priority in both the private and public sector, this collaborative approach will ensure we remain proactive against malicious actors.

We support the decision to formally designate the AI Safety Institute (AISI) as the primary U.S. government point of contact for coordinating with the private sector on frontier model safety. We firmly believe this is a function that should reside in the federal government and equipping the AISI with necessary resources and authorities is essential to advancing U.S. leadership internationally. The AISI's leadership will play a crucial role in streamlining mechanisms for addressing the complex challenges that come with advancing AI capabilities, while also safeguarding against potential risks such as cybersecurity threats, bias, and misuse.

We also applaud the NSM's prioritization of the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), which, when fully realized, will empower a diverse range of researchers from academia, civil society, and small businesses to conduct meaningful AI research. This commitment is crucial for ensuring that AI innovation is not limited to only a few companies, and instead incorporates a more inclusive range of talent and perspectives.

Furthermore, the NSM's vision for advancing international consensus around AI reflects the importance of a globally coordinated effort in setting standards for AI use in national security, as it builds upon existing efforts that are underway while also directing the government to establish a stable, responsible, and rights-respecting governance framework. We support this commitment to advancing AI governance that promotes trust and collaboration among like-minded allies and partners.

SIIA looks forward to working with the Administration to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI innovation, while prioritizing the ethical and secure use of AI aimed at strengthening our national security infrastructure.