HR7294-119

What This Bill Does

The AI for Secure Networks Act directs the Commerce Secretary, acting through NTIA, to study artificial intelligence and telecommunications network security. The study must analyze AI uses for real-time threat and malware detection, zero trust security, resilience, interoperability, energy efficiency, integrated sensing and communications, Open Radio Access Network security, virtualized security technology, firewalls, network segmentation, and risks AI poses to telecom network security. NTIA must consult the FCC and industry stakeholders, including on research and development activities, provide public comment before submitting the report, and report to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Commerce Committee within one year, with possible legislative recommendations.

Who Benefits and How

Telecommunications network operators benefit from a federal study of AI tools that could improve threat detection, malware response, segmentation, resilience, interoperability, energy efficiency, and Open RAN security. AI cybersecurity vendors, Open RAN vendors, and virtualized security technology providers benefit because the study can highlight research needs and deployment opportunities. FCC and NTIA policymakers benefit from industry input and public comments before legislative recommendations are made. Consumers and businesses relying on telecom networks benefit if the study leads to stronger network security controls.

Who Bears the Burden and How

NTIA must run the study, consult FCC and industry stakeholders, solicit public comment before submission, assess both AI benefits and AI risks, and deliver a report within one year. FCC staff must coordinate on telecom security and AI policy. Telecom companies and vendors that participate must provide technical input on research, Open RAN, virtualized security, firewalls, segmentation, and network risks. Congress must evaluate any legislative recommendations flowing from the study.

Key Provisions

• Requires NTIA to study artificial intelligence impacts on telecommunications network security.
• Directs analysis of AI-enabled threat detection, malware detection, zero trust, resiliency, interoperability, energy efficiency, integrated sensing, Open RAN, virtualized security, firewalls, and segmentation.
• Requires consultation with the FCC and industry stakeholders and a public-comment opportunity before submission.
• Requires a report to House and Senate commerce committees within one year with possible legislative recommendations.