Delaware creates first state AI policy for government employees

Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information has released its Enterprise Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence, establishing the first comprehensive guidelines for state employees using AI tools like ChatGPT. The policy addresses growing employee demand for AI assistance while protecting sensitive government data, distinguishing between prohibited public AI tools and approved enterprise solutions that integrate with state security systems.

What you should know: The policy creates clear boundaries for when and how Delaware state workers can use generative AI tools in their official duties.

• Public AI tools like ChatGPT are prohibited for use with confidential data, while enterprise GenAI tools require approval processes and data steward oversight.
• The policy specifically bans AI tools “originated or located outside of the United States” and requires enterprise tools to integrate with the state’s identity access management technology.
• DTI has been fielding numerous calls from employees asking about acceptable AI use, as workers increasingly use these tools in both personal and professional contexts.

Why this matters: Delaware becomes an early adopter in establishing formal AI governance at the state level, balancing innovation with data security concerns.

• The policy enables employees to “learn, to experiment, and yes, to innovate” while providing “just enough governance to guide people in the use of this technology,” according to Anthony Collins, DTI director of enterprise architecture and solution integration.
• State officials report that “in almost every employee review there’s a question about, ‘What else do you want to be doing for your job?’ And everybody is saying, ‘I want to use AI to help me do my job,'” said Owen Lefkon, a commission member.

What’s next: A Delaware AI Commission subcommittee will develop mandatory employee training programs focused on responsible and principled AI use.

• The commission also took steps to create a “sandbox” framework for testing innovative technologies that use agentic AI, which includes autonomous decision-making capabilities.
• Collins emphasized the policy represents “the first step, of many, in partnership with the agencies, to help the employees know what that acceptable use is.”

What they’re saying: State officials praised the balanced approach to AI governance during the commission’s quarterly meeting Friday.

• “It’s really heartening to see this policy developed by DTI, and the effort to strike a balance between the need for a statewide policy, and being flexible to agency needs,” Lefkon said.
• “We, of course, want to empower our staff. But we want to do it in a compliant manner, with the appropriate training,” he added.