US Space Force bans staff from using generative AI tools

No generative AI for US Space Force: The United States Space Force has issued a temporary prohibition on its personnel from using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools while on duty to safeguard government data, as per media reports.

Space Force members were instructed that they "are not authorised" to use web-based generative AI tools — for creating text, images, and various media — unless given specific approval, states an October 12 report by Bloomberg, referring to a memorandum addressed to the Guardian Workforce (Space Force members) on September 29.

Lisa Costa, Space Force's Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Technology and Innovation, reportedly mentioned that generative AI "will undoubtedly evolve our workforce and enhance Guardian’s ability to operate at speed" in the memorandum. However, Costa highlighted concerns regarding current cybersecurity and data handling standards, underlining the need for more "responsible" adoption of AI and large language models (LLMs).

The United States Space Force is a specialised space service branch within the US Armed Forces, tasked with safeguarding the interests of the US and its allies in space.

500 individuals affected

This decision by the Space Force has impacted a minimum of 500 individuals using a generative AI platform called "Ask Sage," according to Nick Chaillan, former Chief Software Officer for the United States Air Force and Space Force.

Chaillan criticised the Space Force's resolution, stating, "Clearly, this is going to put us years behind China," in a September email of complaint to Costa and other senior defence officials. He emphasised that the US Central Intelligence Agency and its divisions have developed generative AI tools meeting data security standards.

Recent months have seen growing concerns among governments regarding the potential for large language models (LLMs) to inadvertently disclose private information to the public. In March, Italy temporarily blocked the AI chatbot ChatGPT, citing suspected data privacy breaches, later rescinding the decision about a month later. Tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Samsung have also imposed bans or restrictions on employees using ChatGPT-like AI tools at work.