US Space Force Pauses Generative AI Use Based on Security Concerns

In a move reflecting growing concerns over data security, the US Space Force has issued a temporary ban on the use of web-based generative artificial intelligence tools and large language models (LLMs). 

The ban, detailed in a September 29 memo seen by Bloomberg News, applies to the Guardian Workforce, the term for Space Force members, and restricts the use of government data on web-based generative AI tools unless specifically approved.

Generative AI tools, including chatbots and platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have gained immense popularity for their ability to create text, images, or other media from simple prompts. Lisa Costa, Space Force’s chief technology and innovation officer, acknowledged the transformative potential of generative AI in the workforce but expressed concerns over cybersecurity, data handling, and procurement requirements in the memo. The adoption of AI and LLMs, she stressed, must be conducted responsibly.

While the memo did not provide specific details, experts have raised alarms about potential risks associated with handling voluminous and potentially non-public data. There are fears that such data, used to train models and generate content, could be vulnerable to leaks or hacking.

The decision has already impacted users of generative AI platforms, including at least 500 individuals relying on Ask Sage, a secure generative AI platform. Nicolas Chaillan, the founder of Ask Sage and former chief software officer for the Air Force and Space Force, criticized the decision as short-sighted, especially given the Defense Department’s push for accelerated AI adoption. In August, the Pentagon established a generative AI task force to explore use cases for LLMs across the department.

Chaillan argued that his platform already meets security requirements and has been “whitelisted” and approved for use by the Air Force. He raised concerns in a September email, expressing that the decision would set the US back in the AI race, particularly against China.

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The impact of the Space Force’s decision extends beyond national defense, affecting over 10,000 customers in the Defense Department, including 6,500 in the Air Force, who utilize Ask Sage for tasks such as report writing. The CIA has already developed a generative AI tool for use within the intelligence community, indicating the broader interest in leveraging AI capabilities across various government agencies.

As the Space Force plans to release new guidance within 30 days, the decision to pause generative AI use reflects a delicate balancing act between embracing cutting-edge technologies and addressing pressing security concerns in an era where data vulnerability is a growing global challenge.