The U.S. Secret Service is exploring ways to use artificial intelligence to help identify and assess threats against people under its protection, according to remarks by the agency’s technology leadership.
Secret Service officials have described how AI tools could help investigators identify connections among information that might otherwise appear unrelated. Such systems may assist in organizing incoming reports, reviewing digital material and recognizing patterns that warrant further examination by trained personnel.
The agency’s work involves assessing threats against current and former national leaders and other protectees. That task can require analysts to evaluate large quantities of information, distinguish credible threats from noncredible statements and coordinate with law-enforcement partners. Automation could help staff prioritize material, but it cannot reliably determine intent or credibility without contextual review.
Officials have reported an increase in threats against the agency’s protectees compared with the previous year. That claim underscores the importance of evaluating workload and resources, although the use of AI alone would not establish that the agency can prevent every threat or that a specific tool has already improved outcomes.
AI-assisted threat assessment also raises civil-liberties and privacy questions. Systems that analyze online material must be used within legal limits, with safeguards against mistaken identification, discriminatory outcomes and unnecessary collection of personal information. Human review is especially important when an automated flag could lead to further investigation or law-enforcement action.
The technology could also create new operational risks if systems produce false alerts, fail to identify a credible warning or expose sensitive data. The agency will need to assess reliability, access controls and staff training before relying on automated outputs in consequential decisions.
The development is part of a broader effort by federal agencies to modernize investigative work. Its success will depend on whether AI can support experienced personnel while preserving accountability, lawful procedures and the judgment required in protective operations.
