Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the impacts of artificial intelligence on telecommunications network security. Requires the study to analyze AI's role in improving network features such as threat detection, resiliency, energy efficiency, and security integrations with Open Radio Access Network and virtualized security technology. Examines potential risks AI may pose to network security. Mandates consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and industry stakeholders for research and development insights. Obligates submission of a report within one year to specific congressional committees, potentially including legislative recommendations. Provides an opportunity for public comment on the report before submission.
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HR 7294 AI for Secure Networks Act 2026
ETO AGORA · U.S. federal laws · 2026
Summary
Instructs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the impacts of artificial intelligence on telecommunications network security.
Requires the study to analyze AI's role in improving network features such as threat detection, resiliency, energy efficiency, and security integrations with Open Radio Access Network and virtualized security technology.
Examines potential risks AI may pose to network security.
Mandates consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and industry stakeholders for research and development insights.
Obligates submission of a report within one year to specific congressional committees, potentially including legislative recommendations.
Provides an opportunity for public comment on the report before submission.
Requires studying AI technology's impacts on telecommunications networks' security.
A BILL
To study the impacts of artificial intelligence technology with respect to the security of telecommunications networks, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Names the Act as the "AI for Secure Networks Act."
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``AI for Secure Networks Act''.
Requires the Secretary to study AI technology's impact on telecommunications network security, including associated risks.
SEC. 2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY AND THE SECURITY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.
(a) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study on the impacts of artificial intelligence technology with respect to the security of telecommunications networks, which shall include an analysis of--
(1) how artificial intelligence technology may be used to improve telecommunications networks, including by facilitating--
(A) real-time threat and malware detection and zero trust security solutions;
(B) increased resiliency and interoperability;
(C) improved energy efficiency; and
(D) integrated sensing and communications;
(2) how artificial intelligence technology may be used in connection with Open Radio Access Network technology to increase the security of telecommunications networks;
(3) how artificial intelligence technology may be used in connection with virtualized security technology to increase the security of telecommunications networks;
(4) how artificial intelligence technology may be used to improve network security controls through firewalls and network segmentation; and
(5) any risks artificial intelligence technology poses for the security of telecommunications networks.
Requires the Secretary to consult FCC and industry on AI use for telecommunication network security improvement.
(b) Consultation.--For purposes of the study conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the Federal Communications Commission and industry stakeholders with respect to the use of artificial intelligence technology to improve the security of telecommunications networks, including with respect to research and development activities.
Requires the Secretary of Commerce to report study results to Congress and seek public comment before submission.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), which may include legislative recommendations.
(2) Opportunity for public comment.--Prior to the submission of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide an opportunity for public comment with respect to such report
(d) Secretary Defined.--In this section, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.