The mayor of NYC released plans for the responsible use of AI in local government

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' administration unveiled a new integration with city apps to embrace and manage artificial intelligence (AI) in local government.

On Oct. 16, the administration released an update saying it is developing a framework for city agencies to “carefully” evaluate AI tools and their risks. The framework is designed to help civil servants build knowledge and skills about AI technologies and improve the quality of life for local residents.

According to the announcement, the plan includes 37 “key activities,” 29 of which are said to begin or be completed within the next year.

Some of the plan's goals include establishing a framework for AI governance, an AI advisory network, developing city officials with AI knowledge and skills, and publishing an annual AI progress report.

Mayor Adams commented that while technology offers opportunities for government to “reach out more effectively” to its citizens, they also need to be clear about the risks.

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Wrapped up in the upcoming AI framework announcement was an update to the MyCity Business platform to include the first pilot of NYC's first citywide AI chatbot. The feature helps answer questions about opening or running a business.

Maria Torres-Springer, the city's deputy mayor for housing, economic development and human resources, commented on the chatbot implementation, saying it's “an important milestone” in making government accessible to everyone.

“By creating this simple and easy-to-use tool, we're removing barriers to city resources that can positively impact New York's small businesses.”

The new AI chatbot will generate data from more than 2,000 NYC business-related websites to provide best practices for compliance with codes and regulations, available business incentives, and avoidance of violations and fines.

In September, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced plans to use its own ChatGPT-style AI bot for investigations.

US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler also acknowledged that the SEC will use AI technologies to monitor the financial sector for signs of fraud and fraud.

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