Mon. Dec 23rd, 2024
Governor Wes Moore Takes Executive Action On Artificial Intelligence

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order calling on the state to develop guardrails to protect residents from the risk of bias and discrimination as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly useful and commonplace. However, the order did not specify how the government intended to use it. Future AI.

The order recognizes that AI has the potential to be a “tremendous force for good” if developed and deployed responsibly. But the order also called out the risks that the technology, if used inappropriately or carelessly, could perpetuate harmful bias, violate public privacy and compromise sensitive data.

“I’m not forgetting that for many people in our state, hearing the words ‘AI’ and ‘cyber’ can be frightening to some,” Moore said at a press conference. “The problem is that this technology already exists. The only question is whether we will act reactively or proactively in this moment.”

Maryland will join a growing number of states expected to enact new AI rules in 2024, but federal lawmakers say they tend to downplay regulation of the industry.according to Report published At least 15 states have passed new laws related to AI tools in 2023, the Technology Policy Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said in December. The main purpose was to educate lawmakers about concerns that are emerging as technology expands.Already, states such as minnesota, michigan and Washington Passed a law banning the use of generative AI and “deepfakes” in political advertising. Several others directed state officials to study the issue and consider further changes this year.

President Moore’s Executive Order establishes the AI ​​Sub-Cabinet to ensure state agencies follow a set of principles that guide the ethical and productive use of AI technology. The sub-cabinet will also be tasked with identifying the opportunities that AI can provide for business recruitment and expansion, providing a much-needed stimulus to the state’s struggling economy. Maryland officials on Monday announced further plans to modernize the state’s digital infrastructure, expand access to online resources and combat cybersecurity threats.

State lawmakers convening Wednesday for a 90-day policymaking marathon will also focus on generative AI and what role government should play in regulating it. Lawmakers say they plan to debate what to do with the technology, even if they don’t have answers yet, with concerns about everything from unemployment to children’s online safety.

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Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said in an interview that he believes Congress will strengthen and advance some of Moore’s executive orders by enacting them into state law.

“We’re going to look at consumer protections to make sure Maryland is a safe place for residents to use new technology with the right protections in place,” he said.

Rep. Jocelyn A. Peña Melnyk (D-Prince George’s), one of the legislators Moore thanked for her support on AI-related issues, said in an interview with The Washington Post that the state will continue to explore new uses for artificial intelligence. He said guardrails need to be put in place when accepting people. technology.

“That’s a good thing, but it’s also stigmatized and can be exploited,” she says. “We have to deal with it.”

Other lawmakers want to spend 90 days together fact-finding and gleaning the best AI policies for later implementation.

“I think it’s very dangerous to regulate something that you don’t really understand. I think a lot of people underestimate or overestimate what AI is and what it’s capable of.” said House Economic Affairs Committee Chairman CT Wilson (D-Charles).

While one common fear of AI concerns doomsday scenarios in which computers lash out against humanity, many experts, ethicists, and government officials believe that AI tools, even unintentionally, will We are more concerned about the risks of civil rights violations, discrimination, and prejudice that may occur.

Moore’s order spells out several guidelines to prevent AI from running amok in Maryland. These principles include fairness and equity. Innovation; Privacy; Safety, Security and Resilience. validity and reliability; and transparency, accountability, and accountability. The subcabinet will include the secretaries of information technology, budget management, general services, labor and commerce, as well as several state officials who will provide guidance on data use, privacy and cybersecurity.

In addition to the executive order, Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage announced plans to modernize the state’s digital systems and expand critical infrastructure to prepare for AI and other emerging technologies.

The newly formed Maryland Digital Service will help coordinate new technology-related efforts across all state agencies and leverage existing funding to develop a modern digital infrastructure, Savage said. He said he would bring in the necessary human resources.

Among the group’s projects is making the state’s websites and online resources more accessible to Marylanders with disabilities. These efforts include ensuring that all state websites are non-visual compliant and accessible to residents who are visually impaired. Savage said the team will also work to increase translated resources for residents who don’t speak English.

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The Secretary also announced the creation of the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force, which will be a collaboration between the state’s Information Technology, Emergency Management, and Military departments. The task force is tasked with responding to security incidents, developing a system-wide approach to preventing attacks, and providing support to local governments as they modernize their security systems.

“The goal is to further strengthen the state’s cybersecurity capabilities and foster a whole-of-government approach to better support local governments in need of cybersecurity maturity,” Savage said.

Several past cybersecurity breaches have significantly disrupted government operations. A malware attack against the Maryland Department of Health occurred in December 2021, disrupting public health services in the midst of a particularly brutal coronavirus surge.

Moore said the changes announced Monday will allow Maryland to stay up to date with modern advances after years of neglect in improving the state’s digital infrastructure.

“My iPhone requires updates every eight weeks, and I haven’t updated the way the government has done it in the last eight years,” Moore said. “We can’t afford to be stuck with a 10-year old system.”