California Gov. Gavin Newsom Takes Steps to Regulate and Prepare for the Impact of AI
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an Executive Order aimed at regulating and preparing the state for the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The order recognizes California as a global leader in AI innovation and seeks to foster that innovation while ensuring the responsible deployment of AI tools in state government.
The Order outlines a path and timeline for the use of AI, requiring various state agencies and departments to take specific actions. Key provisions of the Order include:
Reports on AI Uses and Risks
– State agencies must submit a report within two months identifying the most beneficial potential uses of AI by the state. The report should also address potential risks, including those stemming from bad actors and insufficiently guarded governmental systems.
– A joint risk analysis of potential threats to the state’s critical energy infrastructure must be conducted, with a strategy developed to address similar threats to other critical infrastructure.
State Procurement of AI Tools
– Agencies and departments must submit an inventory of their current high-risk uses of AI and appoint a senior manager responsible for updating that inventory.
– Guidelines for state government procurement of AI tools must be issued by January 2024. These guidelines should address safety, algorithmic discrimination, data privacy, and notice to consumers.
State Use of AI Tools
– The California Department of Technology must make programs available for pilot testing of AI tools by March 2024. These programs will measure the safety, efficacy, and potential improvements that AI can bring to government services.
– Guidelines must be developed for analyzing the impact of AI tools on vulnerable communities and the state government workforce by July 2024.
– Trainings for government employees on using state-approved AI tools must also be developed, ensuring equitable outcomes and privacy enforcement.
The Order emphasizes the need for collaboration between state agencies, the legislature, and relevant stakeholders. It also mandates partnerships with AI departments at Stanford University and U.C. Berkeley to host a joint summit in 2024, fostering discussions on the impacts of AI on California and its workforce.
The Order comes shortly after the California Legislature’s adoption of a resolution that expresses the state’s commitment to AI regulation and exploration. In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee for privacy, technology, and law has announced a forthcoming framework to regulate AI, which will include licensing and auditing requirements, an independent federal oversight office, liability provisions, and data transparency and safety standards.
Governor Newsom’s Executive Order reflects California’s proactive approach to AI regulation and preparation. By implementing measured guardrails, the state aims to both harness the potential benefits of AI innovation and protect against potential risks. With the involvement of various stakeholders and partnerships with leading academic institutions, California is taking significant steps towards responsible AI deployment while paving the way for future regulations and standards in the field.
