DC government can safely use AI , says city CTO

The District of Columbia (DC) is actively preparing for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in government agencies, with a focus on transparency, ethics, and safety. Stephen Miller, DC s acting chief technology officer, emphasized the city s readiness for AI implementation, citing efforts to understand data and develop AI-related certification programs. DC Compass, an AI chatbot, was launched to help residents navigate the city s open data, aligning with DC s AI Values and strategic plan for safe and transparent AI use. However, the public sector s readiness for AI varies, with factors like staff size and available talent influencing progress. Aaron Wilkowitz from OpenAI highlighted the need for continued work in AI safety research and the development of guidelines like the Model Spec to ensure ideal AI behavior. The public sector s adoption of AI offers benefits such as language translation for government documents, making services more accessible to residents. To address concerns and promote responsible AI use, leaders must adhere to established guidelines, be transparent about mistakes, and focus on equitable access to tools and upskilling workers. In summary, DC is actively preparing for AI integration in government agencies, with a focus on transparency, ethics, and safety. While some entities are more prepared than others, the public sector is on its way to readiness, with benefits like language translation and the need for continued AI safety research and guidelines. Leaders must prioritize transparency, equitable access, and upskilling workers to ensure responsible AI use.

Source: technical.ly
Published on 2024-09-17