NYC announces artificial-intelligence adoption framework, AI chatbot pilot

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made headlines in recent months for both its potential to advance humanity and for its possible pitfalls. From automation and chatbots to self-driving cars and facial recognition, artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally change the way American cities and counties operate.

New York City on Monday became the first major American city to launch a comprehensive framework for the development and evaluation of AI-based tools. The framework, called the “New York City Artificial Intelligence Action Plan,” is intended to help municipal employees and administrators build knowledge and skills, and to support responsible citywide implementation. Simultaneous to the framework’s announcement, the city launched a pilot for New York City’s first citywide AI chatbot.

“While artificial intelligence presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to more effectively deliver for New Yorkers, we must be clear-eyed about the potential pitfalls and associated risks these technologies present,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a statement. “I am proud to introduce a plan that will strike a critical balance in the global AI conversation—one that will empower city agencies to deploy technologies that can improve lives while protecting against those that can do harm.”

The action plan sets out a series of 37 phased actions the city will undertake to help agencies understand risks, and decide whether or not a particular tool is useful and safe. Twenty-nine of those actions are set to begin or be completed within the next year. They include: Establishing a framework for AI governance that acknowledges risks, including bias and disparate impact; the creation of an external advisory network to consult with stakeholders across sectors around opportunities and challenges posed by AI; and to enable responsible AI acquisition, with specific procurement standards, and guidance to help at the agency level. The city will publish a progress report annually to track progress and implementation.

To read the complete article, visit American City & County.