To prepare the most effective response, public-sector professionals need the most up-to-date information on hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes or tsunamis affecting their operations, assets, employees and, more broadly, the local communities they serve. While responder agencies rely on many different sources for information on the status of natural disasters, they continue to face challenges in finding timely, relevant and accurate information to inform their disaster response plans -- in real time and at scale. What if there was a better way for the emergency responders to stay informed of breaking events? During a disaster, those impacted often turn to their mobile phones for information and as a lifeline to the outside world. In addition to using social media to request help, victims also share updates, pictures and videos of live developments at their locations.

FREMONT, CA – The rapid growth of automobile technology has enhanced connectivity in modern vehicles. The digital revolution in the automobile industry has made it possible for manufacturers to integrate AI-powered services to improve navigation and functionality of their products. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) has enabled vehicles to communicate with digital devices. However, the integration of complex networks in the connected cars has opened new pathways for hackers, escalating the risk of cyberattacks.

The reintroduction of the Artificial Intelligence in Government Act this month is a much needed response to concerns that the United States is lagging behind both foreign governments and American industry in reaping the promise and perils of artificial intelligence. Sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, the bill promotes the adoption of artificial intelligence in the federal government, while addressing the potential negative consequences. A companion bill was introduced in the House. Central to the bill is the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence within the General Services Administration, which will provide the technical expertise, research, and advice to federal agencies on the acquisition and use of artificial intelligence technology, including all of the accompanying "economic, policy, legal, and ethical challenges and implications." A key part of its mission is to direct and assist the agencies in developing and maintaining governance plans for their use of artificial intelligence.

In response to the 11 February 2019 US "Executive Order on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence," NIST is requesting information about technical standards and related tools for artificial intelligence during an open comment period ending 31 May. Comments may be submitted via email to ai_standards@nist.gov. More information can be found on the Federal Register. In this article, SPIE/OSA Congressional Fellow Benjamin Isaacoff lays out the goals and gaps of the current US strategy for AI. In February, US President Trump issued an executive order laying out the "American AI Initiative" (AAII).

Governments around the world are under pressure to operate more efficiently, serve citizens better, and provide more satisfying working environments for their employees. Lessons from the private sector show automation at scale has the potential to serve those purposes, but to get there governments must become more strategic in their approach, embrace new technologies, and be prepared to act at scale. Process automation and technologies based on artificial intelligence can bring benefits across numerous functions of government, including much lower operating costs, more efficient processes, and less wastage and errors. McKinsey estimates that as many as four out of five processes in HR, finance, and application processing are at least partially automatable, with the potential to reduce costs by at least 30 percent. The benefits of automation can be achieved relatively quickly.

Microsoft is teaming up with General Assembly (GA) to bridge the skill gaps in modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and data engineering, machine learning, data science, etc. General Assembly is a leader in education that has transformed the careers of tens of thousands of individuals through pioneering and experiential education. The companies will also develop industry-recognized credentials for AI skills. The ultimate aim is to create a pool of AI talent for the global workforce, the companies said. Microsoft has already been focusing on closing AI skill gaps around the world.

The government has unveiled the membership of its first AI Council as it attempts to position the UK as a leader in the burgeoning sector. The panel includes representatives from Google, Microsoft and Amazon, as well as data protection groups, academia and the public sector. "[Our AI Council will leverage] the knowledge of experts from a range of sectors to provide leadership on the best use and adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy," the digital secretary Jeremy Wright (pictured) will say in a speech at Viva Tech in Paris on Thursday (16 May). "Under the leadership of Tabitha Goldstaub the Council will represent the UK AI Sector on the international stage and help us put in place the right skills and practices to make the most of data-driven technologies." It is expected that the council will eventually draw together a wider group of representatives to address issues facing the UK's AI sector, such as data and ethics, adoption, skills and diversity.

Even in traditional industries, aspirations are high. If there was a single overarching theme in our conversations with executives, it was the desire to succeed in digital and AI by developing new offerings and changing their companies' business models. For example, RBL Bank has launched India's first profitable open banking initiative. By opening its APIs to the public, RBL is allowing other companies to develop innovative services for the bank's customers. We see this trend in other industries, too.

From treating chronic diseases and reducing fatality rates in traffic accidents, to fighting climate change and anticipating cybersecurity threats, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer considered a futuristic construct – it is already a reality and is helping humanity solve pressing global challenges. It significantly improves peoples' lives, helps with day-to-day tasks and benefits society and the economy. Nevertheless, AI applications should not only be consistent with the law, but also adhere to ethical principles. The ethical dimension of AI is not a luxury feature or an add-on: it needs to be an integral part of AI development. The European Commission recognises AI as one of the 21st century's most strategic technologies and is therefore increasing its annual investment in AI by 70% as part of the research and innovation programme Horizon 2020, reaching €1.5 billion for the period 2018-2020.

If cyber is the ultimate team sport, as many in the U.S. Defense Department like to say, then artificial intelligence (AI) would likely be the number one draft pick for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Anthony "Tony" Montemarano, DISA's executive deputy director, stressed the importance of AI during a luncheon plenary on the final day of the AFCEA TechNet Cyber conference in Baltimore. "We've heard about it time and again. Artificial intelligence is probably the most significant technology we have to come to grips with." The younger generation, he noted, does not want to be burdened with security barriers when using technology.