Introduction to AI at the CIA

As part of TechCrunch’s ongoing Women in AI series, TechCrunch interviewed Lakshmi Raman, the director of AI at the CIA. The discussion revolved around her journey to this position and the agency’s responsible use of AI technology.

Background of Lakshmi Raman

Joining the CIA in 2002 as a software developer, Raman has a rich background in intelligence. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Chicago. Over the years, she progressed to lead the CIA’s enterprise data science efforts.

Women in Leadership

Raman emphasizes the importance of having female role models in the historically male-dominated intelligence field. She stated, “I still have people who I can look to, who I can ask advice from.”

AI’s Role in the CIA

In her current role, Raman integrates AI activities across the CIA, believing that AI supports their mission. The CIA has been exploring AI applications since around 2000, focusing on areas like natural language processing and computer vision.

Generative AI and Its Applications

Raman noted the agency’s interest in generative AI for content triage, aiding in search and discovery, and generating counterarguments to combat analytic bias. This is crucial given the urgent need to address geopolitical tensions and threats.

Osiris: A Generative AI Tool

The CIA developed Osiris, a generative AI tool similar to ChatGPT, designed for intelligence purposes. It summarizes data and allows analysts to ask follow-up questions in plain English, currently utilizing only unclassified data.

Ethical Considerations and Concerns

Despite the advancements, there are concerns regarding the CIA’s use of AI. Reports have revealed that the agency has a secret data repository containing information about U.S. citizens, raising civil liberties issues.

Addressing Bias and Misuse

Raman acknowledged the potential for bias in AI systems and emphasized the CIA’s commitment to ethical guidelines. “I would call it a thoughtful approach [to AI],” she stated, highlighting the importance of transparency and understanding in AI usage.

Conclusion

As AI technology continues to evolve, the CIA aims to navigate its complexities responsibly, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The hope is that the agency’s approach will foster trust and understanding among its users and stakeholders.