How Government is Acquiring AI

Just as cloud computing upended how government buys technology, agencies are now having to adapt to acquire fast-evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technology. AI is proving to be a key tool in helping government improve the efficiency and connection of its workforce and deliver improved service to citizens, but the promises of this new technology come with risks. To ensure AI solutions are secure and ethically designed, agencies are implementing a number of guardrails to ensure the safe and effective use of powerful technology.

How to Use AI

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) developed a policy document to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI for Federal agencies. This guidance provides details on how to use AI securely and effectively with a focus on five key areas: risk management, transparency, responsible innovation, workforce, and governance. Continue reading

Balancing AI’s Power with Privacy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has incredible potential to speed decision-making and unearth connections between data to inform government services and programs. AI is being implemented across government and private industry with very little policy or regulation as to its development or use. In many ways, this lack of oversight is driving exciting innovation, but as this innovation leads to new uses, the risks of infringing on citizen rights and privacy increase.

Peter Parker (Spiderman) was warned, "with great power comes great responsibility." Similarly, AI developers need a voice providing gentle guidance as they figure out how best to use AI's power for good. In the fall of 2022, the White House released the AI Bill of Rights, designed to address concerns about how, without some oversight, AI could lead to discrimination against minority groups and further systemic inequality. Continue reading