Congressmen August Pfluger of Texas and Rob Menendez of New Jersey have introduced new legislation aimed at improving the cybersecurity of U.S. telecommunications networks. The bill, known as the AI for Secure Networks Act, seeks to address the growing threat posed by cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and to promote innovation in artificial intelligence.
The proposed legislation comes amid a rise in cyberattacks targeting telecommunications providers. Congressman Pfluger stated, “Americans’ phone calls, texts, and data travel across networks that are facing a sharp rise in cyberattacks. Recent reporting revealed that millions of attacks were launched against U.S. telecommunications providers in a single year. This double‑digit percentage spike cost billions of dollars in losses worldwide and put Americans’ privacy and security at risk. While artificial intelligence has unfortunately given our adversaries powerful new tools to launch mass cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, AI can, and should, also be used to harden and defend those same systems. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan, common-sense AI for Secure Networks Act to harness AI to strengthen real-time threat detection, boost resiliency and interoperability, and make our next‑generation networks more secure and efficient. The threat is real, and the United States must act now to secure our networks for the future.”
Congressman Menendez added: “Artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential to strengthen the security and resilience of the telecommunications networks Americans rely on every day. As these networks face increasing threats that could disrupt phone service, block access to financial services, or impede emergency response during disasters, we need forward-looking and innovative solutions to protect American families. I look forward to working to pass this legislation to protect our critical infrastructure, safeguard Americans’ personal data, and keep our communities safe.”
The bill directs federal agencies to examine how artificial intelligence can be responsibly used for improving network security. It requires a report to Congress covering findings on using AI for real-time threat detection within telecom networks; an evaluation of AI’s role alongside Open Radio Access technology and virtualized security technology; as well as an assessment of cybersecurity risks related to misuse of AI.
August Pfluger currently serves as a member of Congress representing Texas’ 11th district since 2021 after replacing Mike Conaway (https://ballotpedia.org/August_Pfluger). He was born in Houston in 1978 and resides in San Angelo.