As generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to evolve, they bring immense promise to fields ranging from healthcare to finance. However, with great power comes great responsibility—and the risks associated with AI are no exception. One emerging concern is how terrorist organizations could exploit generative AI to advance their agendas, from spreading extremist propaganda to developing weapons of mass destruction. This is the premise of H.R.1736, the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2025.
What is H.R.1736?
H.R.1736, also known as the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act, is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the national security implications of generative AI technologies in the hands of terrorist groups. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual assessments for the next five years, evaluating the potential threats that terrorist organizations might pose through the use of generative AI tools.
Specifically, the bill calls for a comprehensive analysis of incidents where AI has been used to spread extremist messaging, recruit and radicalize individuals, or develop and deploy potentially harmful technologies. It also mandates that these assessments be shared with Congress and be coordinated with other relevant governmental offices, including those responsible for civil rights protections, ensuring that privacy and constitutional rights are respected in the process.
Why Is This Bill Important?
The introduction of this bill comes at a time when the capabilities of AI, especially generative models, are rapidly advancing. These tools can now create highly realistic and convincing content—text, images, video, and even deepfake videos—that could be weaponized for malicious purposes. Terrorist organizations could leverage these capabilities to craft propaganda that is more persuasive and harder to distinguish from legitimate sources.
For example, AI could be used to:
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Spread radical ideologies through fake news, manipulated videos, or fake social media accounts.
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Recruit followers by producing personalized, convincing content that targets vulnerable individuals.
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Create new technologies for harmful purposes, including cyberattacks or even weapons of mass destruction.
As AI continues to democratize and proliferate, it’s crucial that governments and international bodies recognize these threats early, before they escalate into larger, more complex security issues.
Key Provisions of H.R.1736
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Annual Threat Assessments:
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The bill mandates that the DHS, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, conduct an annual report over five years to assess the risk of terrorism associated with generative AI technologies.
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The reports must be unclassified with classified annexes if necessary, ensuring transparency while also maintaining national security protocols.
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Focus on Radicalization and Weaponization:
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The assessments would focus on how terrorist groups might exploit generative AI to enhance their messaging capabilities and radicalize individuals.
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It will also explore the risk of AI being used to assist in the creation of deadly technologies, including biological or chemical weapons.
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Civil Liberties Protection:
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The bill ensures that all assessments are conducted with respect for civil rights, including privacy protections. The DHS is required to consult with the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties to ensure compliance with constitutional protections.
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Collaboration with Local Agencies:
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The bill emphasizes the need for collaboration with state and local agencies, including fusion centers, to ensure that vital information is disseminated effectively to the appropriate parties across the nation.
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Addressing the Growing Role of AI in National Security
The threat of AI being used by terrorists is not a hypothetical scenario—it is a growing reality. The use of AI to create deepfakes, manipulate public opinion, or spread extremist content online is already a pressing concern for law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide. As AI becomes more advanced, the potential for it to be used in more destructive ways only increases.
While generative AI holds incredible potential for innovation, its unchecked use in the hands of malicious actors can lead to severe consequences. The Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act (H.R.1736) takes a proactive approach to these emerging threats, emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance. By conducting regular assessments, the U.S. government would be better positioned to understand and counteract these risks before they can be exploited on a large scale.
The Future of AI and National Security
The passage of H.R.1736 would represent a crucial step in adapting U.S. security measures to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology. As generative AI tools continue to advance, it’s vital that national security agencies stay ahead of the curve. The collaboration between governmental bodies, local agencies, and civil rights advocates is essential in crafting effective strategies that mitigate these risks without infringing upon individual freedoms.
At the same time, the act also serves as a wake-up call for other nations. The risks posed by generative AI aren’t confined to any one country, and global cooperation will be necessary to address these challenges on a broader scale. It’s clear that as we move forward, AI will continue to shape the future—both positively and negatively—and it’s up to lawmakers, technologists, and security experts to ensure it is used responsibly.
For now, the future of H.R.1736 remains uncertain as it progresses through Congress, but the bill reflects the growing recognition that generative AI represents a critical area of concern for national security in the 21st century.
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