The US Space Force has temporarily banned its employees from using web-based generative AI tools such as ChatGPT due to data security concerns.
The September 29, 2023, memo to The Guardian (the name the Space Force calls its employees) prohibits the use of these AI tools, including large language models, on government computers until it receives official approval. Certified by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the main driver of innovation.
The memo said the injunction came “due to the risks associated with data collection.”
Since last year, the use of generative AI based on large language models that ingest large amounts of data for learning has increased dramatically.
The technology "will undoubtedly revolutionize our workforce and improve the Rangers' ability to move quickly," Lisa Costa, the Space Force's chief technology and innovation officer, said in the memo.
An Air Force spokesman confirmed the temporary ban, which was first reported by Bloomberg News.
“U.S. Space Force has strategically paused the use of generative artificial intelligence and large language models while we consider how to integrate these capabilities into America’s best path to space.” The role and mission of Force Sentinel.
“This is a temporary measure to protect our services and our teachers’ data,” she added.
Costa said in the memo that his office has formed an artificial intelligence working group with other Pentagon offices to explore ways to use the technology “responsibly and strategically.”
She added that more guidance on the Space Force's use of generative AI will be released next month.