News/Gov Tech
Survey Finds Americans Despise When AI Makes Decisions for Them
Public sentiment on AI decision-making: A recent Consumer Reports survey reveals widespread discomfort among Americans regarding the use of artificial intelligence in making important decisions across various sectors. The survey, conducted in the summer, polled over 2,000 Americans on their attitudes towards AI-driven decision-making in job hiring, banking, renting, medical diagnoses, and surveillance. A significant majority of respondents expressed unease with AI's role in these crucial areas, highlighting a growing concern about the technology's expanding influence. Job interview concerns: The use of AI in job interviews emerged as a particularly contentious issue, with a vast majority of respondents expressing discomfort....
read Sep 6, 20244 New Experts Join U.S. National AI Advisory Committee
New appointments bolster National AI Advisory Committee: The U.S. Department of Commerce has appointed four new experts to the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC), enhancing its ability to guide AI policy and development. Key details of the announcement: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointments on September 5, 2024 The NAIAC, established in 2022, advises the President and White House on various AI-related issues These appointments follow the initial 27 members appointed in 2022 Role and importance of NAIAC: The committee provides recommendations on U.S. AI competitiveness, scientific advancements, and workforce issues It also advises on the...
read Sep 5, 2024How Powerful Must AI Be To Be Dangerous? Regulators Did The Math To Find Out
AI regulation embraces mathematical metrics: Governments are turning to computational power measurements to identify potentially dangerous AI systems that require oversight. The U.S. government and California are using a threshold of 10^26 floating-point operations per second (flops) to determine which AI models need reporting or regulation. This equates to 100 septillion calculations per second, a level of computing power that some lawmakers and AI safety advocates believe could enable AI to create weapons of mass destruction or conduct catastrophic cyberattacks. California's proposed legislation adds an additional criterion, requiring regulated AI models to also cost at least $100 million to build....
read Sep 5, 2024AI Startups Tackle Local Government Challenges in New Accelerator
AI-focused accelerator program launches for local government tech: CivStart has unveiled its sixth Govtech Accelerator Program, featuring 16 startups focused on implementing and scaling AI solutions for local governments. Program details and partnerships: The new cohort represents CivStart's largest to date, selected from a record 117 applicants This iteration will run for 12 months, shorter than the traditional 24-month timeline The program is being conducted in partnership with the National League of Cities and the GovAI Coalition Participants will work with mentors from both public and private sectors, gaining valuable expertise and access to industry leaders Focus on AI in...
read Sep 5, 2024US Launches Initiative to Boost AI Infrastructure and Security
AI infrastructure becomes a national priority: The US government is formalizing consultations with AI industry leaders to develop policies supporting data center growth and security, recognizing the strategic importance of AI in the global technological race. The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the US Department of Energy have issued an open request for comments from industry experts to inform future policies on data center development and security. NTIA administrator Alan Davidson emphasized the need to create a transparent public record to address the growing demand for data centers, particularly driven by AI advancements. The government's...
read Sep 4, 2024US Government Partners with OpenAI and Anthropic for AI Safety Testing
AI safety collaboration takes center stage: OpenAI and Anthropic have entered into groundbreaking agreements with the US government, granting early access to their latest AI models for safety testing before public release. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced formal collaborations with both companies and the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute to conduct AI safety research, testing, and evaluation. This partnership aims to ensure that public safety assessments are not solely dependent on the companies' internal evaluations but also include collaborative research with the US government. The US AI Safety Institute will work in conjunction with its UK...
read Sep 4, 2024The Latest News on SB 1047, California’s Attempt to Govern Artificial Intelligence
California takes bold step towards AI regulation: The California legislature has passed SB 1047, a groundbreaking bill aimed at governing artificial intelligence systems, particularly focusing on the potential risks associated with foundation AI models. Key provisions of SB 1047: The bill introduces comprehensive AI safety requirements for companies operating in California, addressing concerns about the existential risks posed by advanced AI systems. Companies must implement precautions before training sophisticated foundation models, including the ability to quickly shut down the model if necessary. The legislation mandates protection against "unsafe post-training modifications" to AI models. A testing procedure must be established to...
read Aug 27, 2024AI Boosts 911 Response in Colorado County
Colorado county leverages AI for emergency communications: Jefferson County Communications Center (Jeffcom 911) in Colorado has adopted a new AI-powered platform to enhance its emergency operations and address staffing challenges. Modernizing emergency response: The new cloud-based system replaces outdated technology, aiming to reduce call times and improve efficiency in handling the county's high volume of emergency and non-emergency calls. Jeffcom 911 receives an average of 2,000 calls per day, with 20-25% being emergencies and the rest requiring public safety responses. The implementation of the new platform is expected to take about two months, transforming the county's 911 operations. The system...
read Aug 26, 2024Why Local Governments Are Struggling to Implement AI Technologies
Local governments lag behind in AI adoption: Municipal offices across the United States are struggling to implement artificial intelligence technologies, hindering their ability to efficiently serve citizens and manage critical projects. Many local government offices face challenges in handling even basic tasks like zoning or permitting, leading to frustration for residents and inefficiencies in municipal operations. Larger projects such as stormwater quality management, road maintenance, and funding for emergency services are also impacted by the lack of advanced technological tools. The slow adoption of AI in local governments is contributing to a trend of centralization, as smaller offices struggle to...
read Aug 26, 2024How Policymakers Can Catch Up to AI’s Rapid Evolution
AI governance and information gap: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has created a significant information gap between tech companies developing frontier AI systems and the US government, hindering effective policymaking and risk assessment. Jack Titus, an AI policy fellow at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), highlights the urgent need for better information sharing between AI companies and the government to manage potential risks without stifling innovation. The lack of consensus on managing breakthrough AI systems' risks underscores the complexity of the challenge facing policymakers and industry leaders. Experts across various sectors agree that the US government requires...
read Aug 26, 2024Governors Face Tough Choices Balancing AI Investment with Economic Needs
Economic priorities and technological investments: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's recent comments on national economic priorities highlight the complex balance between addressing immediate socioeconomic needs and investing in future technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Pritzker referenced Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's vision for financial stability, affordable living costs, and an inclusive housing market, resonating with many Americans' aspirations for economic stability. In 2020, Pritzker sanctioned $230 million in AI funding, aiming to position Illinois at the forefront of scientific and technological breakthroughs. The investment was directed towards two new National Quantum Information Science Research Centers led by...
read Aug 25, 2024Google Invests $117.5M in California’s Effort to Support Journalism
California's innovative approach to journalism funding: Google and the state of California have struck a groundbreaking deal to support local journalism and advance AI innovation, sidestepping a proposed "link tax" bill. The agreement involves Google contributing $55 million over five years to a "News Transformation Fund," while California will add $70 million during the same period. Google has also committed $62.5 million to establish a "National AI Innovation Accelerator," highlighting the growing intersection of technology and journalism. This deal requires legislative approval as part of California's budget process and has received support from Governor Gavin Newsom. Financial implications and industry...
read Aug 23, 2024AI Streamlines Child Support Case Management in Texas
AI-powered search revolutionizes child support case management in Texas: The Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has developed an innovative AI-driven search tool to streamline research processes for child support field case workers, significantly reducing time spent on policy and legal research. The challenge and solution: Child support field case workers faced a major pain point in time-consuming research, prompting the OAG to develop a single knowledge base and robust AI search tool for the Child Support Division. The project aimed to create a search engine that would return accurate answers or a clear "no answer" response. Built on...
read Aug 23, 2024California Announces $250M Deal to Fund Journalism and AI Research
A groundbreaking initiative for journalism and AI: California has unveiled a pioneering agreement with tech companies to allocate significant funds to support journalism and advance AI research, marking a first for any U.S. state. The financial commitment: The deal outlines a collective investment of approximately $250 million over a five-year period, with the majority earmarked for news organizations based in California. The program is set to launch in 2025, with an initial allocation of $100 million in its first year. While specific funding sources remain undisclosed, the agreement involves contributions from both taxpayer money and tech companies. The distribution of...
read Aug 23, 2024AI Giants Clash Over California’s Proposed Safety Bill
AI safety legislation in California sparks debate: Anthropic and OpenAI, two leading AI companies, have expressed differing views on California's proposed AI safety bill, SB 1047, highlighting the complex landscape of AI regulation. Anthropic's cautious support: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has communicated a measured stance on the California AI safety bill, acknowledging both its potential benefits and drawbacks. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Amodei stated that the benefits of SB 1047 "likely outweigh its costs," indicating a tentative support for the legislation. However, Amodei expressed concerns about potential government overreach, suggesting that the bill should maintain a "laser...
read Aug 21, 2024Los Angeles Unveils Pioneering AI Strategy for Government Operations
The evolving landscape of AI governance: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape government operations, officials are recognizing the need for comprehensive and enduring policies that can adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. At the recent Los Angeles Digital Government Summit, experts emphasized the importance of creating AI policies that are both broad and deep enough to guide years of use cases, rather than focusing narrowly on current consumer AI applications. The discussion highlighted the necessity for government organizations to develop strategies that can accommodate the long-term implications of AI integration across various sectors. Los Angeles takes the lead...
read Aug 18, 2024Justice Department Engages Stakeholders to Shape AI Policy
Justice Department's AI Initiative addresses opportunities and challenges: Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco's Justice AI Initiative continues to engage diverse stakeholders to shape the Department's AI policy and its impact on law enforcement, civil rights, and national security. The sixth convening of the Justice AI Initiative focused on privacy and consumer protection, bringing together organizations and advocates to discuss AI's potential benefits and risks in these areas. Topics covered included algorithmic discrimination, AI-enabled targeting of vulnerable populations, concerns about bulk data collection, and biometric privacy issues. International collaboration on AI governance: The initiative has expanded its reach to include international...
read Aug 18, 2024New Survey Sheds Light on AI Adoption Trends Across the Country
State governments embrace AI in IT operations: A recent survey by the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) reveals the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in state government IT departments across the United States. Survey scope and participation: The NASTD conducted a comprehensive survey of 42 state central IT authorities in May 2024, providing valuable insights into the current state of AI implementation in government technology. The survey aimed to assess the extent of AI usage, identify key application areas, and understand the challenges faced by state governments in adopting AI technologies. With 42 out of 50 states responding,...
read Aug 18, 2024AI Regulation Debate Intensifies as Pelosi Opposes California Bill
California's AI regulation debate heats up: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has voiced opposition to a proposed state bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in California, sparking a contentious debate about the balance between innovation and regulation in the tech industry. Pelosi's stance on SB 1047: The former Speaker issued a statement criticizing California Senate Bill 1047, describing it as "well-intentioned but ill-informed" legislation that could potentially hinder innovation in the state's thriving AI sector. Pelosi emphasized California's significant role in the AI industry, noting that the state is home to 35 of the world's top AI companies. Her opposition...
read Aug 18, 2024California’s Controversial AI Bill Was Just Amended — Here’s What You Need to Know
California's AI regulation bill undergoes significant changes: State Senator Scott Wiener's controversial SB 1047, aimed at protecting Californians from potential AI-driven catastrophes, has been amended to address concerns from the tech industry. The bill initially proposed requiring AI companies to share safety plans with the attorney general and face penalties for catastrophic events, sparking debate among lawmakers, tech companies, and industry experts. Recent amendments have altered key aspects of the bill, including the removal of a perjury penalty and changes to the legal standard for developers regarding AI model safety. Plans for a new government entity called the Frontier Model...
read Aug 16, 2024New AI Tracker Maps Government Adoption Across US States
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming government operations, with states and localities across the U.S. taking diverse approaches to harness and regulate AI technologies. A new interactive tracker provides insights into these evolving efforts. Mapping the AI landscape in government: Government Technology has developed a comprehensive tracker to monitor and visualize state and local government AI initiatives across the United States. The tracker uses interactive maps to illustrate how different jurisdictions are approaching AI implementation and governance. This tool allows policymakers, researchers, and citizens to easily compare AI strategies and progress across states and localities. The data visualization highlights regional trends...
read Aug 15, 2024AI Governance Jobs Surge as Governments Embrace New Tech
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting governments at all levels to create new roles dedicated to managing its responsible implementation and potential impacts. Federal leadership sets the tone: President Biden's 2023 executive order on AI led to the appointment of chief AI officers across federal agencies, signaling a top-down commitment to proactive AI governance. The executive order demonstrates the federal government's recognition of AI's growing importance and potential risks. By establishing AI leadership roles at the highest levels, the federal government is setting an example for state and local authorities to follow. States take action: Several states have...
read Aug 13, 2024AI Tackles Boston’s Traffic Woes with Smart Streetlights
AI-powered traffic management in Boston: The city of Boston has partnered with Google's "Project Green Light" team to leverage artificial intelligence in addressing its notorious traffic congestion issues. Boston, known for its challenging traffic conditions, is now the second city in the United States to collaborate with Google on this innovative traffic management initiative. The partnership, which began in February, aims to utilize AI technology to improve traffic flow and reduce tailpipe emissions. Seattle was the first city to experiment with Google's streetlight technology, paving the way for Boston's adoption. The problem at hand: Boston's notorious traffic congestion has long...
read Aug 12, 2024U.S. Readies Power Grid for AI Surge, Energy Secretary Assures
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has reassured the public that the United States is prepared to meet the increasing electricity demands driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and data centers. The big picture: The surge in AI development is raising concerns about the ability to provide sufficient power for data centers, but Granholm emphatically states that the U.S. will be able to meet these growing energy needs. The Department of Energy projects that electricity demand in the U.S. will double by midcentury, driven by manufacturing growth, electrification of vehicles and appliances, and the expansion of data centers for...
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