AI in Counterterrorism Oversight Enhancement Act
Latest action (20 Jul 2021): Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 4469, the AI in Counterterrorism Oversight Enhancement Act, would amend the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to expand the oversight authority of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) over federal agencies' use of artificial intelligence in counterterrorism efforts. It would direct the Board to review whether AI-enabled technologies used to protect against terrorism adequately safeguard privacy and civil liberties, and it would give the Board access to related materials, including information on data collection, consent, technology models, and training and testing processes. The bill also requires federal privacy and civil liberties officers to notify the Board when their agencies use such AI technologies, including classified systems, and to share related impact assessments. It adopts the definition of "artificial intelligence" used in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.
The bill primarily affects federal executive branch agencies involved in counterterrorism, their privacy and civil liberties officers, and the PCLOB itself, which would gain broader monitoring authority. Within 270 days of enactment, the Board would also be required to submit a self-assessment to relevant congressional committees on whether it needs additional resources or organizational changes to fulfill these new duties.
The bill was introduced in the 117th Congress on July 16, 2021, referred to multiple House committees, and ordered to be reported as amended by voice vote on July 20, 2021. It did not receive a further vote and did not become law before the end of that Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
AI in Counterterrorism Oversight Enhancement Act
This bill expands the responsibilities of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board to include oversight of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in counterterrorism and addresses related issues.
Specifically, the board must continually review any AI-enabled technologies used in counterterrorism efforts and determine whether such technologies protect privacy and civil liberties and adhere to relevant policies.
The bill also expands the board's authorities to access or subpoena information to include information about AI-enabled technologies used for counterintelligence, such as the training and testing processes for such technologies.
Furthermore, the bill expands the responsibilities of privacy and civil liberties officers to include responsibilities related to AI-enabled technologies used in counterterrorism. (Currently, the statute requires certain departments and agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to each designate one senior officer as a privacy and civil liberties officer to provide certain information to the board.)
Timeline
20 Jul 2021
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4469 do?
- H.R. 4469, the AI in Counterterrorism Oversight Enhancement Act, would amend the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to expand the oversight authority of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) over federal agencies' use of artificial intelligence in counterterrorism efforts. It would direct the Board to review whether AI-enabled technologies used to protect against terrorism adequately safeguard privacy and civil liberties, and it would give the Board access to related materials, including information on data collection, consent, technology models, and training and testing processes. The bill also requires federal privacy and civil liberties officers to notify the Board when their agencies use such AI technologies, including classified systems, and to share related impact assessments. It adopts the definition of "artificial intelligence" used in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill primarily affects federal executive branch agencies involved in counterterrorism, their privacy and civil liberties officers, and the PCLOB itself, which would gain broader monitoring authority. Within 270 days of enactment, the Board would also be required to submit a self-assessment to relevant congressional committees on whether it needs additional resources or organizational changes to fulfill these new duties. The bill was introduced in the 117th Congress on July 16, 2021, referred to multiple House committees, and ordered to be reported as amended by voice vote on July 20, 2021. It did not receive a further vote and did not become law before the end of that Congress.
- Has H.R. 4469 become law?
- Not yet. As of 20 Jul 2021, H.R. 4469 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4469?
- H.R. 4469 was sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D-NY12, 2013-2022] (Democrat-NY), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4469?
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote. (20 Jul 2021).
Related bills in Armed Forces and National Security
Covered AI Prohibition Act
Dashboard for MILCON Projects Act
Medal of Honor Access and Liaison Act
Bone Marrow Radiation Shielding Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.