The Criminal Division's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) recently co-hosted a symposium focused on artificial intelligence at the Department of Justice. The event took place in Washington, D.C., at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on October 2.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, who leads the Criminal Division, opened the symposium with a keynote speech. She discussed both the potential benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and introduced a new "Strategic Approach to Countering Cybercrime." This initiative is part of the division's broader strategy to address cybercrime and offenses linked to emerging technologies like AI. The approach highlights using various tools to disrupt criminal activities, developing legal frameworks to prevent and prosecute cybercrime, and enhancing cybersecurity through education and capacity building.
Argentieri also expressed support for the UN Convention on Cybercrime as part of efforts to develop policies that combat cybercrime while safeguarding civil rights. Additionally, she announced plans to engage with external stakeholders to update CCIPS’s Vulnerability Disclosure Framework. This update aims to encourage responsible vulnerability testing and reporting while considering good-faith security research into AI systems. Such research is essential for identifying systems that may be unsafe or ineffective.
A newly released Fact Sheet outlines recent enforcement actions by CCIPS under its Strategic Approach since 2021. These actions include disrupting seven significant ransomware variants, shutting down malicious services such as proxy services and cryptocurrency laundering platforms, liberating over 20 million computers from malicious software, and convicting more than 100 defendants involved in cybercriminal activities.
The symposium attracted participants from government sectors, industry, academia, civil society, and the public. A recording of the event is available online.
PDAAG Argentieri delivered remarks at this important gathering on artificial intelligence within the Justice Department.