New executive order shifts US AI policy toward national security
New executive order shifts US AI policy toward national security
Publish Date: 2026-06-09 16:43:00
Source Domain: www.mcdermottlaw.com
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EO on Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security issued on June 2, 2026: Establishing benchmarks for advanced AI models and creating frameworks for secure, early access cooperation.
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Developing Secure Frontier AI: The focus here is on building a classified benchmarking process to identify AI’s advanced cyber capabilities and designate “covered frontier models” to foster secure innovation.
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Strengthening Government Cybersecurity: Emphasizes prioritizing the cyber defense of National Security Systems, War Department information systems, federal facilities, and expanding cybersecurity tools and access for state, local authorities, and critical infrastructure operators.
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AI Cybersecurity Clearinghouse: Within 30 days, a clearinghouse must be established to coordinate vulnerability scanning, validation, remediation, and distribution of patches, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity.
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Enforcement Against Criminal AI Use: The U.S. attorney general is tasked with prioritizing the enforcement of federal criminal laws against unauthorized computer system access or data theft facilitated by AI.
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Evolution of the Administration’s AI Policy: The Trump administration shifted from reducing regulation towards an active security-focused agenda with increased government involvement while maintaining anti-regulation messaging.
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Upcoming Actions and Organizational Responses: Over the next 30 days, agencies will rollout new cybersecurity guidance, establish the clearinghouse, and expand critical infrastructure protections. Organizations must adapt their AI governance, cybersecurity, and government-engagement strategies.
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Attention Needed: AI Developers, critical infrastructure operators, vendors, and government contractors must closely monitor federal directives and voluntary engagement frameworks for potential new partnerships and compliance requirements. Also, there is a heightened emphasis on criminal enforcement against malicious AI use.
