The U.S. Space Force has recently announced that it is temporarily halting the use of web-based generative AI tools like ChatGPT. The major reason for the suspension is due to data security concerns. The decision was made due to the risks associated with data aggregation. The memo is addressed to “Guardians”, this is the name Space Force calls its workforce. It stops its staff from using such AI tools including large-language models on government PCs. The suspension will be on until they receive formal approval by the force’s Chief Technology and Innovation Office.
According to the memo dated Sept. 29, staff can only use the AI tools unless they obtain a Space Force license. Lisa Costa, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the Space Force, said in the memo that the technology “will undoubtedly revolutionize the way we work and enhance the Guardians’ ability to operate at high speeds”.
In the memo, Costa also said that her office has formed a generative AI task force. The task force was formed in conjunction with other Pentagon offices to consider using the technology in a “responsible and strategic” way. She also said additional guidance on the Space Force’s use of generative AI would be released next month.
The use of generative AI hit the public domain sometime last year. They use large amounts of historical data to learn and can quickly generate content such as text, images or videos based on a simple prompt.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of AI that uses large language models to ingest huge troves of past data to learn and generate content like text, images, or video off of a simple prompt. The technology has exploded in the past year, underpinning ever-evolving products such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
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Why is the Use of Generative AI Suspended?
The temporary ban on the use of generative AI is due to data aggregation risks. The technology has the potential to collect and aggregate large amounts of data. This could pose a security risk if not properly managed. The U.S. Space Force is taking a strategic pause on the use of generative AI and large language models within the force. This ban will be in place as they determine the best path forward to integrate these capabilities into Guardians’ roles.
Space Force spokesperson confirmed the temporary ban. Tanya Downsworth, spokesperson for Space Force said in a statement
“The U.S. Space Force has implemented a strategic ban on the use of generative AI and large language models, and we are identifying ways to integrate these capabilities into the Guardian role and the Space Force mission,” She adds “This is about protecting our services and the data that keeps us safe.”
What is the Impact of the Suspension?
The decision to suspend the use of generative AI has impacted at least 500 Space Force members. The force plans to release new guidance in a few weeks. The temporary ban is a precautionary measure to protect the data and security of the U.S. Space Force.
Final Words
The U.S. Space Force’s decision to temporarily halt the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT over data security concerns is a precautionary measure to protect the data and security of the force. The technology has the potential to collect and aggregate large amounts of data, which could pose a security risk if not properly managed. The force plans to release new guidance in a few weeks to determine the best path forward to integrate these capabilities into Guardians’ roles and the USSF mission. What do you think about the suspension of generative AI by Space Force?
