Virginia Governor Spanberger Announces Statewide AI Strategy

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has enacted Executive Directive 6, which mandates the preparation of a statewide plan to prevent AI-driven cyberattacks and strengthen critical infrastructure.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger issued Executive Directive 6, instructing Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley Meador to prepare a comprehensive plan aimed at preventing AI-focused cyber threats and strengthening critical infrastructure statewide. Under the directive, it was reported that a Cyber Consortium will be established to increase coordination among public safety leaders, state agencies, universities, and private sector partners.

Governor Spanberger expressed specific concerns regarding AI models, highlighting instances where Anthropic AI agents sent unauthorized requests to the Virginia Department of Education website. Meador, a former FBI special agent, is also required to conduct regular briefings with AI technology companies and researchers to identify evolving threats and develop cybersecurity strategies. Criticizing the federal government's lack of leadership on AI regulations, Spanberger emphasized that this directive is a necessary step to protect Virginians from the risks of rapidly evolving AI technologies.