U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed the Justice Department's first chief AI officer, signaling that the technology will come under new legal scrutiny.
Jonathan Mayer, a distinguished professor of computer science and public policy at Princeton University, will serve as both the Justice Department's chief AI officer and chief science and technology officer.
Garland said in a statement that Mayer will help the Justice Department “prepare for both the challenges and opportunities that new technology presents.”
According to the Department of Justice, Mayer's appointment is in response to President Joe Biden's recent executive order on AI, which focuses on ensuring U.S. residents can safely use AI tools. It requires each federal agency to appoint a chief AI officer with primary responsibility. “Coordinating agency use of AI, accelerating AI innovation at agencies, managing risk and accountability from agency use of AI.”
Responsible use of AI could make the world “richer, more productive, innovative and safer,” while irresponsible use could lead to fraud, discrimination, bias and disinformation, president says The ordinance states.
As CAIO, Mayer will also focus on efforts to build the department's technology capacity, including advising on the recruitment of technical staff, the Department of Justice said.