Calif. examines benefits, risks of using AI in state government
LOS ANGELES — Artificial intelligence that can generate text, images and other content could help improve state programs but also poses risks, according to a report released by the governor’s office this week.
Generative AI could help quickly translate government materials into multiple languages, analyze tax claims to detect fraud, summarize public comments and answer questions about state services. Still, deploying the technology, the analysis warned, also comes with concerns around data privacy, misinformation, equity and bias.
“When used ethically and transparently, GENAI has the potential to dramatically improve service delivery outcomes and increase access to and utilization of government programs,” the report stated.
The 34-page report, ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, provides a glimpse into how California could apply the technology to state programs even as lawmakers grapple with how to protect people without hindering innovation.
Concerns about AI safety have divided tech executives. Leaders such as billionaire Elon Musk have sounded the alarm that the technology could lead to the destruction of civilization, noting that if humans become too dependent on automation they could eventually forget how machines work. Other tech executives have a more optimistic view about
AI’S potential to help save humanity by making it easier to fight climate change and diseases.
At the same time, major tech firms including Google, Facebook and Microsoft-backed Openai are competing with one another to develop and release new AI tools that can produce content.
The report also comes as generative AI is reaching another major turning point. Last week, the board of CHATGPT maker Openai fired CEO Sam Altman for not being “consistently candid in his communications with the board,” thrusting the company and AI sector into chaos.
On Tuesday night, Openai said it reached “an agreement in principle” for Altman to return as CEO and the company named members of a new board.
Newsom called the AI report an “important first step” as the state weighs some of the safety concerns that come with AI.