DHS to Use Google AI for FOIA Redactions by September
US Customs and Border Protection will use Google AI to recommend redactions for FOIA requests, with DHS aiming to cover over 10 percent of requests by September.
US Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, will use Google AI tools to recommend information for FOIA officers to redact, according to engadget.com. The move is part of a broader push across federal agencies to speed up the processing of public records requests.
By the end of September, DHS will use AI for documents making up over 10 percent of FOIA requests, around 100,000 to 140,000 in total. DHS employees will review AI recommendations to ensure requesters receive what documents call accurate and complete information.
Other agencies test AI redaction tools
The Interior Department uses Microsoft tools to redact potential attorney-client information. The Department of Justice uses a Veriton tool called aiWARE to redact video. Health and Human Services is developing its own tool, FRED, to redact unknown information.
An FDA spokesperson said the agency is exploring limited uses of AI to help FOIA staff process records more efficiently. A FOIA expert at the University of Florida said the government should be watched carefully on how it uses AI to redact records.
Quick answers
Which agency will use Google AI for FOIA redactions?
US Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, will use Google AI tools to recommend information for FOIA officers to redact.
How many FOIA requests will DHS cover with AI by September?
By the end of September, DHS will use AI for documents making up over 10 percent of FOIA requests, around 100,000 to 140,000 in total.
What other AI redaction tools are federal agencies using?
The Interior Department uses Microsoft tools, the Department of Justice uses Veriton's aiWARE for video, and Health and Human Services is developing FRED.