Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine and reshape health care, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking notice. In June, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco convened the fourth session of the DOJ’s Justice AI Initiative, tasked with bringing together experts from academia, science and industry, to examine potential effects of AI on the Department’s mission and to report to the president. This session focused on the civil rights and civil liberties challenges of AI, particularly when algorithms and automated systems are used to make critical decisions in health care, employment, housing, and more. Past meetings have focused on “how malicious actors are using AI to supercharge their criminal schemes.”

In announcing the launch of Justice AI Initiative earlier this year, Monaco said, “every new technology is a double-edged sword, but AI may be the sharpest blade yet.” From election security to U.S. national security to combatting discrimination, the DOJ has its sword at the ready. “Discrimination using AI is still discrimination. Price fixing using AI is still price fixing. Identity theft using AI is still identity theft. You get the picture,” Monaco said. “Our laws will always apply. And—our enforcement will be robust.” Monaco echoed these concerns most recently in Brussels with leaders from the European Parliament. Further, the DOJ is using AI to bring enforcement actions. In fact, “this approach has led to some of the Fraud Section’s largest cases and initiatives.”