The governor of Washington has requested the state to create guidelines for the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in government operations, as the technology becomes more integrated.

Democratic Governor Jay Inslee stated that it is our responsibility to the public to carefully and considerately implement these influential new tools.

Many states in the United States have recently taken comparable actions, often choosing to first observe how their state governments utilize technology before implementing restrictions on the private sector. In a recent development, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order to establish an AI subcabinet tasked with devising guidelines for agencies’ use of AI.

The recently issued decree in Washington brings attention to the significant possibilities of generative artificial intelligence, such as its potential use in language translation, coding, and contract management. However, it also acknowledges the potential dangers that may arise with the implementation of these pioneering technologies.

The governor’s office stated that certain AI models have notable limitations in terms of quality, which can bring up concerns about privacy and security. Additionally, these models have been proven to perpetuate social biases.

The directive required WaTech, the agency responsible for overseeing the state’s technology services, to collaborate with state officials in creating guidelines for the procurement and monitoring of this technology by the government. These guidelines are intended to expand upon the principles outlined in the Biden administration’s 2022 Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, which aims to prevent harm caused by the increasing use of artificial intelligence systems.

Governor Inslee is advocating for the creation of an AI training program for government employees. This plan would include details on how the technology can improve state operations, as well as potential risks to residents and cybersecurity. He also urges state agencies, tribal governments, community members, and others to collaborate in developing guidelines for evaluating the impact of AI on marginalized communities.

Katy Ruckle, the chief privacy officer of the state, stated that our objective is to assist the state in utilizing generative AI in beneficial ways for the general public, while also implementing safeguards to protect against high-risk uses.

Source: wral.com