WASHINGTON D.C.: Despite highlighting the technology's success in assisting drug busts and catching criminals, the Department of Homeland Security announced new plans to limit its use of artificial intelligence (AI) this week.

In an AI policy memo, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, "We must ensure that our use of AI is responsible and trustworthy, that it is rigorously tested to be effective, that it safeguards privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties while avoiding inappropriate biases, and that it is transparent and explainable to those whom we serve."

The agency is rapidly adopting AI technologies across various sensitive missions, from border control to tracking fentanyl smuggling into the U.S.

"I think the potential for unintended harm from the use of AI exists in any federal agency and any use of AI. We interact with more people on a daily basis than any other federal agency. And when we interact with people, it can be during some of the most critical times of their lives," DHS Chief Information Officer Eric Hysen.

As part of the new policy, Americans can decline the use of facial recognition technology in various situations, including during air travel check-ins.

The guidelines also stipulate that human analysts must manually review facial recognition matches discovered using AI technology to ensure their accuracy.