The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun utilizing advanced AI video generation tools developed by Google and Adobe, according to a recent document release. This initiative comes amid heightened scrutiny as immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ramp up their social media presence to support the government’s immigration policies. The use of AI-generated content has raised concerns among tech employees, who are urging their employers to take a stand against the actions of these agencies.
The document outlines various AI tools employed by DHS, highlighting their applications in tasks ranging from document drafting to cybersecurity management. Notably, it identifies that DHS has integrated Google’s Veo 3 video generator and Adobe’s Firefly into its operations, with estimates suggesting the agency possesses between 100 and 1,000 licenses for these tools. This marks a significant revelation about how federal agencies are producing the extensive volume of content shared across platforms, particularly in light of recent immigration operations that have been heavily documented online. The content created includes a mix of celebratory and recruitment-focused material, often accompanied by music and visuals that may infringe on copyright, raising further ethical questions about their production methods.
Despite the potential for AI to enhance content creation, the document does not clarify the specifics of how these tools are being implemented within DHS. Furthermore, while Adobe provides options to watermark AI-generated videos, the integrity of such disclosures can be compromised when content is disseminated across various channels. Recent pressure from tech workers—exemplified by over 140 current and former Google employees and more than 30 from Adobe—has called for corporate accountability regarding DHS’s operations and the broader implications of AI in government communications. This latest development underscores the growing intersection of technology and public policy, prompting discussions about the role of AI in shaping narratives and influencing public perception.
Source: DHS is using Google and Adobe AI to make videos via MIT Technology Review