The Pentagon is now seeking to use large language models in military applications as the US government tries to cash into the trend to boost its arsenal.
The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday that it is currently in talks with tech industry leaders to help the agency process high numbers of information for its operations.
According to the department, the following tests will help the Pentagon determine its suitability for intelligence operations "to be this bridge toward more general-purpose abilities."
Among the companies that will be exploring possibilities of AI in military intelligence is California-based Scale AI. Most of its tasks are expected to be on testing and evaluating the technology.
The new AI venture will be an addition to the Pentagon's efforts to "responsible" deployment of AI among its ranks.
Just last August, the department launched Tasked Force Lima under the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to propose safe development recommendations for AI in the military.
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OpenAI Opens Worrying Possibilities of Weaponizing AI
The Pentagon's increasing interest in large language models, particularly chatbots, came after OpenAI announced that it would be removing restrictions over military applications.
Among the changes in the "usage policies" was the prohibition of activities that have a "high risk of physical harm," specifically "weapons development" and "military and warfare."
As of writing, other intelligence and defense departments have also adapted more AI-powered tools into their operations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Homeland Security, and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Many of these applications, so far, have been mainly involved in surveillance and monitoring but recent developments have indicated that the agencies are also trying to use it for data processing and communication.
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AI Arms Race Between US and China
It is worth noting that the US has been ramping up its AI "exploration" amid increasing tensions between China and Russia.
Both countries have previously declared to advance their AI innovation towards intelligence and military operations amid the trade sanctions placed on them by the US.
The US government, in turn, has been accusing the two countries of sponsoring threat actors to target critical facilities in the country. Many of the recent operations have been reported to have started using chatbots.
While the US and China have promised to discuss ways to prevent the application of AI into weaponries, such talks have yet to be finalized.
