Artificial intelligence, specifically generative AI tools like ChatGPT, has the potential to reshape New York City’s economy. However, it also poses a threat to the workforce as it could displace workers, spread misinformation, infringe on copyrights, and undermine privacy. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s office released a roadmap aimed at mitigating the risks while maximizing the potential of generative AI tools.
The roadmap calls for industry leaders to explore ways to retrain entry-level workers into more ‘AI proof’ sectors like AI strategy. It also recommends providing special instruction in ChatGPT for current trainees and instructing children on recognizing deepfakes and the limitations of generative AI systems.
The report encourages city agencies to create policies that govern the use of ChatGPT and related tools by employees while using tools that respect the intellectual property rights of artists and writers. Furthermore, the roadmap calls for the creation of a research institute focused on creating safe, ethical, and reliable AI systems.
This report encourages policymakers and legislators to discuss policy and legislative issues related to generative AI tools in industries most likely to benefit and be disrupted by them. The report aims to help the city channel the powerful potential of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools while preparing for the disruptions they are already causing.
The report recognized that humans are responsible for the fairness and accuracy of the outputs produced by generative AI models, and new guardrails should be established to use ChatGPT and other tools safely.
At a closed-door meeting, attendees discussed how AI models could help New Yorkers navigate the complicated process of applying for food assistance or affordable housing, as well as how the models could fundamentally change education.
City officials have already put some restrictions on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, and the education department banned the chatbot on devices and networks it runs earlier this year. Starting in early July, employers will have to notify New York City job seekers if their applications are being processed with substantial help from AI screening tools.
The roadmap advises local election officials to be more mindful of AI-enhanced misinformation and suggests exploring ways to incorporate generative AI into their daily work. The report calls on educators to have special training on how to adjust their pedagogy to a post-ChatGPT world and on how to instruct their students in the use and limitations of generative AI systems.
