Homeland Security launches internal AI chatbot for 19,000 staff

(NewsNation) — The Department of Homeland Security unveiled a new artificial intelligence chatbot for internal operations.

The tool, called DHSChat, will be available to approximately 19,000 employees at DHS headquarters and select pilot users across ten operating agencies, the organization announced. It's designed to help staff summarize complex documents, generate computer code and streamline data entry tasks.

"I wouldn't want to communicate hubris," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told Axios. "I think that humility is required. I'm sure we'll find some flaws and we'll address them as we go."

Unlike commercial AI tools such as ChatGPT which DHS employees have been allowed to use only with public information since last year, DHSChat operates within a secure environment and can handle non-public data.

However, the department has established strict limitations: The chatbot cannot access sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, medical records, refugee data or classified information.

The project was developed by the department's newly formed AI Corps, which has hired 39 of its targeted 50 AI experts since its creation this spring. DHSChat is one of twenty AI-related projects the corps has undertaken.

DHS employees have already reported success using commercial AI tools to enhance various operations, including:

Improving grant program communications, with efficiency increases of 25-50% Simplifying cybersecurity terminology for non-technical staff Developing training programs Creating study aids for certification preparation

As Mayorkas prepares to leave office in January, questions remain about the future of DHS's AI initiatives under the incoming administration. But he hopes the programs continue.