Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Track Terrorist Organizations Who Use Artificial Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act, a bill to direct the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual threat assessments of designated terrorist organizations who are using artificial intelligence (AI) to harm Americans and plan potential attacks.

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis is an original cosponsor of the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act.

This legislation requires DHS to make the assessment public and mandates briefs to appropriate congressional committees within 30 days of each report's submission. Companion legislation has been introduced by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott said, "AI is opening up our economy and our daily lives to new worlds of possibility, but it's naïve to think only well-intentioned Americans are using it. We have enemies in all corners of the world, and they know how to use AI as well. We have the resources and the manpower to counter these threats, and we need to put them to use. I'm proud to introduce this bill that would keep Americans safe and informed of the threats we all face in an ever-changing world."

Senator Cynthia Lummis said, "Artificial intelligence is integral for the next century of American prosperity, and we should be leading it, not running from it. That also means being clear-eyed about how terrorist groups are already weaponizing this technology to radicalize and plot against Americans. This bill ensures we understand that threat so we can stay ahead of it without limiting the innovation that keeps America at the forefront of advancement."

Rep. Pfluger said "As a combat tested fighter pilot who flew missions in the Middle East, I have seen terrorism up close and how quickly threats can evolve. Terrorist organizations are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to recruit, train, and incite attacks on U.S. soil. To confront this emerging threat, I introduced the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act to direct a rigorous, coordinated assessment of AI-enabled terrorism risks. Law enforcement and the intelligence community need a comprehensive understanding of how bad actors are weaponizing AI, and this legislation ensures they have it. I thank Senator Rick Scott for his leadership in introducing the Senate companion to my legislation and look forward to our continued partnership."

BACKGROUND

Last year, the House Committee on Homeland Security found that terrorist organizations use GenAI for online radicalization by producing highly convincing propaganda videos to fabricate events and manipulate the perception of potential recruits.

Known terrorist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda have even gone as far as to have AI "workshops" to train members on its use.

The Dan Bongino Show heard it first, listen HERE.

Read the full bill HERE.

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