New York City unveiled its comprehensive AI Action Plan in October 2023. This plan, comprising 37 strategic steps, is designed to ensure the effective and responsible use of AI within city government operations. Among the initial commitments outlined in the plan were the establishment of guiding principles for AI use and the provision of immediate-term guidance on emerging AI technologies. To fulfill these commitments, the city released two crucial documents in March 2024: the AI Principles and Definitions Guidelines and the Generative AI Preliminary Use Guidance.

A key aspect of the AI Action Plan is the city’s commitment to engaging its diverse population in shaping the future direction of AI initiatives. To facilitate public input, the city has scheduled a series of introductory public listening sessions, with the first session set to take place online on April 16, 17, and 19. Additionally, the city is inviting written comments from the public on the guidance documents, further fostering inclusive participation in the AI governance process.

In anticipation of widespread participation, the city has outlined terms of participation for the public comment sessions. Participants are assured of privacy and confidentiality, with the city committing to anonymizing and summarizing comments for public review. Measures are also in place to ensure a professional and respectful discourse during the sessions.

The city’s AI Principles and Definitions Guidelines outline five key principles: Validity and Reliability, Social Responsibility, Information Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Trust and Transparency. New Yorkers are invited to provide feedback on the clarity, practicality, and relevance of these principles to city governance.

Similarly, the Generative AI Preliminary Use Guidance focuses on cybersecurity, information privacy, trustworthiness, and transparency in the use of generative AI tools. The city seeks public input on the comprehensiveness and clarity of this guidance, as well as the frequency of updates needed to keep pace with evolving AI technologies.

Questions regarding the comment solicitation or the city’s broader AI efforts can be directed to [email protected].

As New York City takes bold steps towards AI governance, the active participation of its residents and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping policies that reflect the city’s values and priorities. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the city’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to harnessing AI for the benefit of all its constituents.

If you’re wondering how New York City’s AI Action Plan, or any other regulation bill around the world, could impact you, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts are ready to provide valuable assistance while answering your questions and concerns.