Directed Inquiry

Question: Goat's investigation into National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) surfaced information about National Security Agency (NSA). Review what is known about National Security Agency (NSA) in light of this new context and identify any connections, patterns, or concerns relevant to your domain (Artificial intelligence, surveillance technology, autonomous systems, algorithmic governance).

Date: 2026-04-18

Research Findings

Investigation into NSA's AI integration reveals a rapidly expanding surveillance infrastructure with concerning governance gaps. The agency has deployed generative AI tools to over 7,000 analysts while establishing an AI Security Center that works closely with private industry. The revolving door between NSA leadership and AI companies is exemplified by Paul Nakasone's transition from NSA Director to OpenAI board member, occurring during active Pentagon AI contracting negotiations. OpenAI's controversial Pentagon deal explicitly excludes NSA but reveals the agency's broader strategy to integrate commercial AI capabilities through contracts like the $10 billion Hybrid Compute Initiative with Amazon Web Services. ACLU litigation highlights the lack of transparency around NSA's AI deployment and its civil liberties implications. The firing of NSA Director Timothy Haugh in April 2025 amid political pressure, combined with the agency's confirmed practice of purchasing bulk commercial data without warrants, suggests an agency operating with expanding surveillance capabilities but diminishing oversight constraints. The pattern indicates systematic efforts to integrate AI into surveillance operations while maintaining legal and technical workarounds to traditional privacy protections.

Data Collected

• Entities created: William Hartman, WitnessAI, Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, Hybrid Compute Initiative (HCI), Autonomous Penetration Testing (APT) platform
• Facts recorded: 11
• Connections mapped: 4
• Web sources consulted: 50

Sources

• OpenAI alters deal with Pentagon as critics sound alarm over surveillance
• The Pentagon’s bombshell deal with OpenAI, explained
• Memorandum on Advancing the United States’ Leadership in Artificial Intelligence; Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Fulfill National Security Objectives; and Fostering the Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence | The White House
• NSA, CISA, and Others Release Guidance on Integrating AI in Operational Technology > National Security Agency/Central Security Service > Press Release View
• Our agreement with the Department of War | OpenAI
• OpenAI announces Pentagon deal after Trump bans Anthropic : NPR
• How is One of America's Biggest Spy Agencies Using AI? We're Suing to Find Out. | American Civil Liberties Union
• National Security Agency - Wikipedia
• SAIC | National Security Contracts Secured by SAIC Top $284 Million in Early 2024
• More than 7,000 NSA analysts are using generative AI tools, director says - Defense One
• Former NSA chief revolves through OpenAI's door | Responsible Statecraft
• What’s behind OpenAI’s appointment of an ex-NSA director to its board | CIO
• Former NSA chief appointed to Open AI board: Responsible Statecraft | Al Mayadeen English
• Paul Nakasone Joins OpenAI's Board of Directors - Schneier on Security
• Ex-NSA leader, OpenAI board member calls out Anthropic-Pentagon fight
• OpenAI contract with U.S. Cyber Command went unnoticed amid degradation of transparency and veracity of U.S. procurement database
• OpenAI alters deal with Pentagon as critics sound alarm over surveillance
• OpenAI Appoints Former NSA Director Paul Nakasone to Board of Directors - SecurityWeek
• Paul Nakasone - Wikipedia
• Former NSA head joins OpenAI board and safety committee | TechCrunch
• Artificial Intelligence Security Center | National Security Agency
• NSA AI Security Center - Schneier on Security
• NSA’s AISC Releases Joint Guidance on the Risks and Best Practices in AI Data Security > National Security Agency/Central Security Service > Press Release View
• NSA announces new artificial intelligence security center: 'Desperately needed'
• CHIPS Articles: NSA’s AISC releases joint guidance on the risks and best practices in AI data security
• CHIPS Articles: NSA publishes guidance for strengthening AI system security
• NSA establishing ‘Artificial Intelligence Security Center’
• NSA chief announces new AI Security Center, 'focal point' for AI use by government, defense industry - Breaking Defense
• Deploying AI Systems Securely
• NSA to open an AI Security Centre to oversee safe deployment | AI Magazine
• ACLU v. NSA – FOIA Lawsuit Seeking Records About the NSA’s Use of Artificial Intelligence | American Civil Liberties Union
• NSA AI FOIA Complaint | American Civil Liberties Union
• OpenAI alters deal with Pentagon as critics sound alarm over surveillance
• Weasel Words: OpenAI’s Pentagon Deal Won’t Stop AI‑Powered Surveillance | Electronic Frontier Foundation
• ACLU Sues NSA, Defense Department for AI Spy Program Records
• How is One of America's Biggest Spy Agencies Using AI? We're Suing to Find Out. | American Civil Liberties Union
• OpenAI on Surveillance and Autonomous Killings: You’re Going to Have to Trust Us
• Katrina Mulligan - OpenAI | LinkedIn
• OpenAI’s Pentagon deal raises new questions about AI and surveillance | Fortune
• The “Domestic” Loophole in OpenAI’s Pentagon Red Lines
• More than 7,000 NSA analysts are using generative AI tools, director says - Defense One
• Report: Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh Nominated as CYBERCOM Chief, NSA Director – Executive Gov
• NSA, CYBERCOM Leader Gen. Timothy Haugh Wins 2025 Wash100 Award | Wash100
• NSA Director, an Air Force General, Fired with No Cause Stated
• NSA Director Haugh Praises Hybrid Compute for AI, Emerging Tech – MeriTalk
• Gen. Timothy Haugh takes charge of NSA, Cyber Command | Federal News Network
• National Security Agency and Cyber Command chief, Gen. Tim Haugh, ousted - The Washington Post
• Insight Partners Appoints General Timothy Haugh, USAF (Ret.) and Former NSA Director, to Its Government Advisory Board
• Gen. Timothy Haugh, head of NSA and Cyber Command, is fired - CBS News
• Firing of top cyber general 'sets back' US military and intel operations, makes America 'less safe,' lawmakers of both parties say | DefenseScoop