Utah Launches AI Policy Office to Shape Regulations and Mitigate Risks

Utah has launched its Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy to shape AI regulations and explore the most effective methods of mitigating risks while fostering responsible development.

Key focus areas: The Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy (OAIP) will study AI-related issues and collaborate with industry experts, academics, and regulators to find and implement best practices in AI regulation:

• The OAIP’s first focus area will be the use of AI in healthcare, with a specific emphasis on mental health applications. Businesses, academic institutions, and other subject matter experts are invited to participate in this initiative.
• The office is also seeking public input on other topics to prioritize in the future and gathering real-world examples of how AI has impacted individuals and organizations in Utah.

Agile approach through the Learning Lab: A key component of the OAIP is its Learning Lab, which will enable the state to adapt quickly as new AI issues emerge:

• The Learning Lab facilitates collaboration between industry experts, academics, and regulators to identify and implement best practices in AI regulation.
• This agile approach aims to help Utah keep pace with the rapid advancement of AI technologies and mitigate potential risks.

Regulatory flexibility and feedback: The OAIP is authorized to offer regulatory mitigation agreements to Learning Lab participants and is actively seeking feedback from the public:

• Individuals can share regulatory concerns or issues via an online form, potentially allowing for flexibility in specific use cases.
• Utah is accepting feedback on what topics the public would like to see the OAIP prioritize moving forward.

Broader context and implications: The establishment of Utah’s OAIP comes amid ongoing debates about the best path forward for AI regulation at both the state and federal levels:

• While a recent executive order from the federal government has helped spur action, many states are implementing their own safeguards and exploring sandbox environments to examine AI’s potential impacts.
• Utah has been an early mover in this space, establishing a Center of Excellence in AI in 2018 and setting a policy on generative AI in late 2023.
• The OAIP represents a significant step forward in Utah’s efforts to proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.