Pennsylvania has become the first US state to deploy OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise in its government operations. As part of a trial of AI tools for state employees, Pennsylvania aims to explore the practical applications of generative AI and gather insights for wider integration. The pilot program will initially involve workers at the state’s Office of Administration using ChatGPT for various tasks such as content creation, policy language enhancement, draft creation, information management, and code generation.
Data security and privacy are top priorities for the Pennsylvania government. No sensitive information, including personally identifiable information, will be used during interactions with ChatGPT. Data will not be shared between state agencies, and precautions are in place to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. Initially, the tool will be available to a limited number of employees, with the potential for further expansion based on feedback and findings.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise, which was launched in August 2023, offers enhanced security and privacy features, unlimited high-speed GPT-4 access, and longer context windows for processing longer inputs. Several prominent organizations, including Block, Canva, Carlyle, The Estée Lauder Companies, PwC, and Zapier, have already implemented ChatGPT Enterprise.
While Pennsylvania leads the way in adopting generative AI in government operations, other cities and states in the US, as well as the federal government and international counterparts, are also exploring the potential of this technology. The use of generative AI presents opportunities for automating administrative tasks and saving time and money. However, concerns over bias, job displacement, privacy, and security require careful consideration.
To address these concerns, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order emphasizing the importance of using generative AI in a human-centered and equitable manner while safeguarding privacy rights. San Francisco and New York City have also issued guidelines to direct the responsible use of generative AI tools, highlighting the need for transparency, fact-checking, and human oversight.
As governments navigate the complexities of generative AI adoption, they strive to strike a delicate balance between reaping the benefits of automation and ensuring ethical practices. By learning from the Pennsylvania pilot program, other states and cities can shape their own approaches to generative AI, fostering innovation while prioritizing privacy, security, and fairness.
