The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking significant steps to draft comprehensive guidelines for law enforcement agencies regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technologies. This initiative was announced by Michelle Ramsden, a senior counsel in the DOJ Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, who emphasized that the guidelines will focus on enhancing public safety while ensuring that privacy and ethical considerations are at the forefront. The DOJ’s proactive approach aims to equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to effectively utilize emerging technologies without compromising citizens’ rights.
To support this effort, the DOJ has finalized an AI compliance plan and initiated consultations with external experts specializing in AI governance. Ramsden highlighted the importance of responsible deployment of these technologies to address potential risks related to privacy, ethics, and security. The compliance plan, which will be published on the DOJ’s website “as soon as possible,” seeks to provide law enforcement with best practices and recommendations that align with the evolving landscape of AI and its applications in public safety.
In a notable move, the DOJ appointed its first chief AI officer earlier this year. This role is designed to oversee the study of both internal and external use cases of AI while developing regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical and responsible AI use across various sectors. Attorney General Merrick Garland has emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to keeping pace with rapidly advancing technological developments to uphold the rule of law and protect civil rights, highlighting the critical balance between innovation and accountability.
Furthermore, the DOJ’s newly established emerging technology board is playing a pivotal role in shaping these guidelines and recommendations for law enforcement. Formed in 2023, the board is responsible for advising DOJ leaders on the ethical and lawful use of AI, promoting department-wide coordination in the implementation of emerging technologies. The board’s mandate aligns with a recent executive order issued by the White House, which directs the DOJ to work with federal civil rights offices to develop best practices for investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations related to AI, particularly addressing algorithmic discrimination through training and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders.
