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.
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