The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reversed its previous policy by banning staff from using commercial generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Claude. According to a memo sent to employees this month by DHS’s Chief Information Officer, Antoine McCord, the move marks a significant shift toward technology developed in-house.
Background
DHS had previously allowed the conditional use of commercial generative AI systems, but the new directive restricts their use and directs employees to internal tools instead. The older guidance, described as “outdated” and too narrowly focused on commercial generative AI, has been removed from an online list of IT management directives.
Development of DHSChat
The decision comes as federal agencies are exploring ways to integrate generative AI into their workflows, a priority for both the Biden and Trump administrations. Late last year, DHS introduced DHSChat, a platform designed with commercial large language model technology through an API and built in a secure environment. This move followed several generative AI pilots conducted across DHS component agencies.
New Policy Details
The latest memo clarified that “Commercial GenAI tools are defined as GenAI technology or products available for use or purchase by the general public.” Staff have been instructed to cancel payments for existing commercial generative AI systems and remove related training courses. DHS is currently developing a new generative AI policy in line with recent White House guidance on accelerating the federal government’s use of the technology.
This story was supported by the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism, and Madison Alder contributed to the reporting. The article was updated on May 23 to clarify that DHSChat is available to 20,000 staff members at DHS headquarters.
