Jonathan Mayer Named DOJ’s First Chief Science and Technology Advisor and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has appointed Jonathan Mayer as the Department of Justice’s first chief science and technology advisor and chief artificial intelligence officer. As the chief science and technology advisor, Mayer will provide counsel to the attorney general and collaborate with various departments within the Justice Department on intricate technical matters, including cybersecurity and AI.
Mayer, who also assumes the role of chief AI officer, aligns with President Biden’s executive order on the Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. In addition, he will oversee the newly established Emerging Technology Board, responsible for supervising and governing the application of AI and other emerging technologies within the Justice Department.
This appointment underscores the department’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technology advancements. With a background in computer science and law, Mayer’s expertise lies in criminal procedure, national security, and consumer protection. He currently serves as an assistant professor at Princeton University’s Department of Computer Science and School of Public and International Affairs.
Operating from the Office of Legal Policy, Mayer will spearhead efforts to enhance the department’s technological capabilities by recruiting top technical talent and ensuring readiness to tackle challenges presented by emerging technologies. Furthermore, he will assemble a team of technology experts specializing in areas such as cybersecurity and AI to advise leadership and streamline efforts across the department and federal partners.
In his role as chief AI officer, Mayer will lead initiatives on AI and related issues both within the department and across agencies. President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, signed in October, established initial guidelines and regulations for AI usage, which may be further strengthened through legislative actions and international agreements. During the signing, President Biden emphasized the importance of governing AI to unlock its potential while minimizing risks.
Analyst comment
Positive news. As the DOJ’s first chief science and technology advisor and chief AI officer, Mayer will enhance the department’s technological capabilities, recruit top talent, and ensure readiness to tackle challenges presented by emerging technologies. This appointment reflects the DOJ’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology advancements. Mayer’s expertise in computer science and law will contribute to effective counsel and collaboration within the department and federal partners. With his leadership, initiatives on AI usage and regulations will be developed, aligning with President Biden’s executive order.
