An Air Force nominee on Thursday walked back previous support for using artificial intelligence to monitor for signs of extremism in the military under questioning by Republican senators.
Ravi Chaudhary, who has been nominated to be assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations and environment, told senators during a confirmation hearing he regrets that an op-ed he co-wrote on the subject “fell short” and added that he does not support using AI to monitor service members' electronic communications.
“The intent of the article was to engage in a public discussion on addressing extremism, as well as other areas affecting readiness,” Chaudhary told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
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“The vast majority of the men and women who serve serve with honor, integrity and excellence,” he added. “And I believe that the constitutional rights of our men and women who serve should be protected. Period.”
Chaudhary, a former Federal Aviation Administration official, served in the Air Force for more than 20 years, including flying C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft during combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. If confirmed, his portfolio would include managing installations struggling after years of deferred maintenance and implementing policies meant to address the risks of climate change.
At his confirmation hearing Thursday, Republicans…
