NYC introduces a new framework for evaluating AI
With Local Law 144, also known as the NYC Bias Law, now in full effect, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser and others, has introduced a new framework to evaluate AI. On Monday, October 16, Mayor Adams presented the comprehensive New York City Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, outlining the city’s commitment to harnessing AI’s potential to enhance services and processes for all New Yorkers. The plan is specifically crafted to ensure the responsible and equitable use of AI for the entire community.
The 51-page plan, collaboratively developed by the Office of Technology and Innovation, engaged 50 city employees from 18 agencies and gathered insights from leaders in industry, society, and academia. In the introductory segment of the plan, Mayor Adams addressed New Yorkers, underscoring the significance and possibilities AI holds for safety, opportunity, and efficiency citywide. Acknowledging the rewards and risks associated with AI, Mayor Adams emphasized the paramount importance of its responsible utilization. This sentiment was echoed in a subsequent letter from CTO Fraser, who stressed community engagement throughout the AI systems’ development and deployment.
The plan encompasses the city’s ongoing AI-related initiatives and delineates seven key initiatives, featuring 37 specific actions to address a broad spectrum of issues. These initiatives encompass establishing a responsible use framework for AI in the city government, creating a coordinated approach to AI governance and management, developing a process to identify and assess high-risk AI systems, ensuring transparency, fairness, and explainability of AI systems, promoting responsible data sharing and collaboration across multiple agencies, investing in the city’s AI ecosystem, and building public understanding and awareness of AI and its impacts. Each action item includes timelines, responsible parties, and expected outcomes, with officials aiming to complete 27 specific actions within the next year.
As a preliminary step, the plan calls for the establishment of an “AI Steering Committee” comprising stakeholders from across the city. Concurrent with the plan’s unveiling, the government announced the testing of the first citywide AI-powered chatbot. This chatbot, available in beta on the MyCity Business site, assists business owners with operations and growth in the city. Leveraging Microsoft’s Azure AI services, the chatbot was trained on information from over 2,000 NYC business web pages. Overall, the plan is a comprehensive and ambitious effort to leverage AI’s power for the collective benefit of New Yorkers. It not only establishes a blueprint for responsible AI use but also fosters transparency, collaboration, talent development, and community engagement. New York City aims to ensure that AI is employed ethically, equitably, and to the benefit of all.
For businesses seeking insights into the impact of this framework or in need of a New York City Bias Audit, contact BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can address your queries related to this regulation and more.
