A total of three states in the US have taken the lead in bringing AI Governance. If successful, they would rightly set the way for other states to follow and help shape their future, which very likely converges with the emerging technology of artificial intelligence. These three states are Vermont, Georgia, and Maryland, out of which Maryland and Vermont were the first to take a baby step in this direction.
Representatives from each state appeared in the GOVChats Panel Discussion to share their opinions and describe how their states are moving forward in implementing AI governance strategies.
Notably, most of the work on drafting the framework is still in progress. Nevertheless, a rough sketch has been drawn, and that is what the discussion primarily revolves around between representatives. Nishant Shah, Josiah Reich, and Nikhil Deshpande hail from Maryland, Vermont, and Georgia, in the same order.
AI facilitates efficient service delivery, according to the general consensus. This was done in addition to improving the overall experience for the general public and augmenting the competencies of the existing labor force. The majority of this is anticipated to occur within the state government’s jurisdiction.
Deshpande said that even though they lack a focused executive order for an AI model, GTA has partnered with several state agencies to implement the AI governance model. GTA is an acronym for the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA). Nikhil added that they are now working to have a lab for technology pilots and proof of concepts.
Reich emphasized that he entered the segment during a period of rapid advancement in the field of artificial intelligence. They called the middle of 2022 a crazy time, stating that their legislature had just put together a law to establish an AI Council with a director. Josiah also highlighted the time when ChatGPT entered the market and changed the dynamics of AI. He said that they had just finished the second draft of the Vermont AI Code of Ethics. The entry of ChatGPT brought a change to the extent that talking about AI meant something different altogether in just 3–4 weeks.
Shah stated that Maryland has issued regulatory rulings on AI in the past three months, demonstrating its multifaceted approach to the issue. In January, Gov. Wes Moore introduced a four-pronged plan that included an executive order on AI, a policy to ensure accessibility, new tools for digital design, and collaborations to strengthen safeguards for the state’s digital infrastructure.
The goal of Moore’s AI order, Shah further said, was not just to mandate principles for state agencies; it was also to prompt a bunch of organizational work to make sure that the state is all set up to achieve success.
AI-related policies are the talk of the town across the globe. The technology has left some positives and negatives through its various types of utilities. Drafting a set of rules and regulations for AI is one way to keep it under control and safeguard the interests of citizens. Maryland, Vermont, and Georgia are working to set the right tone; an actual impact will only be determined once they have been rolled out and there is a reaction from the market.
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