Source: https://www.techpolicy.press/cities-can-lead-the-conversation-on-responsible-ai-use-by-governments/
Christopher Jordan, Jody Oetzel / Apr 1, 2024 National governments have been scrambling to get a hold on Artificial Intelligence, piqued by the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.
The recent passing of the EU’s AI Act creates further pressure for national direction on responsible AI use.
In Rotterdam, an AI-powered fraud detection system was found to discriminate unfairly based on ethnicity and gender.
In Boston, the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) was quick to release guidelines for “responsible experimentation,” which provided city employees with examples of how to experiment with generative AI prompts, while warning against bias, hallucinations, and sharing private data with AI systems.
While still in the early stages, cities are finding that by working together, they can outpace a laggard federal government to lead action on a complex policy issue.
Similarly, MetroLab is convening policy-specific groups of city practitioners and university academics to create use cases and guidance for AI in the public sector.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the way governments operate and make decisions. As AI technologies become more advanced and pervasive, it is vital that governments adopt responsible practices to ensure that AI is used ethically and in the best interest of their citizens. Cities, with their unique blend of diversity, innovation, and proximity to local communities, are well positioned to lead the conversation on governmental responsible AI.
One of the key roles that cities can play in advancing responsible AI is by setting an example through their own use of AI technologies. Cities can implement AI systems in their own operations in a transparent and accountable manner, demonstrating how these technologies can be used to benefit citizens while minimizing potential risks and biases. By showcasing best practices in AI governance, cities can inspire other levels of government to follow suit and create a culture of responsible AI use.
Moreover, cities can act as testbeds for AI applications, allowing governments to experiment with new technologies in controlled environments before scaling up to larger regions. Through pilot projects and partnerships with tech companies and research institutions, cities can explore the potential of AI in areas such as public services, transportation, and environmental sustainability, while also evaluating the social and ethical implications of these technologies.
Cities are also uniquely positioned to engage with their citizens on the topic of responsible AI. By hosting public forums, workshops, and community discussions, cities can involve residents in the decision-making process around AI governance and ensure that their voices are heard. This participatory approach can help build trust between governments and citizens, fostering a more transparent and inclusive AI ecosystem.
In addition, cities can leverage their diverse populations and local expertise to develop AI policies and guidelines that are tailored to their specific needs and priorities. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to AI governance, cities can create frameworks that reflect the values and concerns of their residents, ensuring that AI technologies are used in ways that align with local values and objectives.
Furthermore, cities can collaborate with other municipalities and regional governments to share knowledge and best practices in responsible AI governance. By forming networks and partnerships, cities can collectively address common challenges and opportunities in AI regulation, enforcement, and oversight, while also learning from each other's experiences and successes.
Cities can also advocate for stronger regulations and standards at the national and international levels to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. By working with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations, cities can influence the development of laws and policies that promote ethical AI use and protect the rights and interests of citizens.
Moreover, cities can invest in AI education and training programs to build a workforce that is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of AI technologies. By offering workshops, classes, and certification programs on responsible AI, cities can empower individuals to become informed and engaged participants in the AI ecosystem, driving innovation and accountability from the ground up.
In conclusion, cities have a crucial role to play in leading the conversation on governmental responsible AI. Through setting an example, engaging with citizens, developing tailored policies, collaborating with other municipalities, advocating for regulations, and investing in education, cities can shape a future where AI technologies are used ethically, inclusively, and responsibly for the benefit of all. As cities continue to innovate and evolve, they have the opportunity to be at the forefront of responsible AI governance, demonstrating the transformative power of technology to improve the lives of their residents and build a more just and equitable society.
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