National Security Commission on AI

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) was established by the U.S. Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. Chaired by Eric Schmidt (former Google CEO) and Vice-Chaired by Robert Work (former Deputy Secretary of Defense), the commission was tasked with examining the national security implications of artificial intelligence and recommending policies to ensure the United States maintains technological leadership.

The commission conducted extensive research, held public hearings, and engaged with industry, academic, and government experts. It released its final report in March 2021, which emphasized the urgency of AI development for national security, recommended increased federal investment in AI research and infrastructure, and called for policies to attract and retain AI talent in the United States.

The NSCAI's work influenced subsequent U.S. government AI policy discussions and highlighted concerns about AI competition with China. The commission's recommendations shaped debates around AI governance, export controls, and federal research funding priorities in the early 2020s.