Pennsylvania Executive Order Signed for Generative AI
Another state in the United States is taking the leap when it comes to potential AI regulations. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has signed Executive Order 2023-19 – Expanding and Governing the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Technologies Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Just like what we saw earlier this month in the state of Virginia, Governor Shapiro recognizes the need for oversight and regulation when it comes to AI.
The Executive Order, issued on Sept. 20, 2023, emphasizes the need for responsible and ethical use of Generative AI, while recognizing its potential to improve communication and services for Pennsylvanians. The order calls for the creation of the Generative AI Governing Board, which is a key component of the order. The Board will be responsible for providing guidance and direction on design, development, acquisition and deployment of Generative AI in state agencies, including state policies on the use of Generative AI. The Board is also responsible for ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as testing for bias and addressing any privacy concerns. The order refers to Generative AI as AI that uses algorithms to generate new content, data, or other inputs.
On top of that, the Board is responsible for engaging with experts in Generative AI from the public and private sectors. Those experts will advise the Board on short and long-term research goals, industry trends and some of the best practices. This means the Board can seek advice and input from experts while experts can provide guidance on the latest developments in AI, help identify emerging trends and provide ideas on the best practices for using AI in a responsible and ethical manner. The Board is expected to digest all of this information to develop policies and guidelines for state agencies while ensuring it has access to the latest information and insights so that the Board is constantly making informed decisions on how AI can benefit Pennsylvanians.
While industry experts are key, the Board is responsible for providing a mechanism that allows for internal and external feedback on policies. That means the Board is required to receive feedback or input from stakeholders, including state labor and workforce organizations, and other external stakeholders, like citizens. The feedback can be used by the Board to help craft policies and guidelines for use of Generative AI in state agencies. The purpose of the feedback is to help build trust and confidence in the use of AI and to ensure it’s being used in an ethical manner. The Order does emphasize that the disclosure of policies should not jeopardize the security of any individual or entity, state worker, infrastructure, systems or data. The Order emphasizes that AI should not and cannot replace human creativity, moral judgment or lived experiences. The Order recognizes that AI is a valuable tool that has the potential to improve life, but it should be used in a way that prioritizes employees and aligns with industry standards.
The Board will consist of 12 members, including the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Director of Digital Strategy, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Office, Secretary of Policy and Planning, General Counsel, Secretary of Administration, Deputy Secretary for Information Technology, Chief Information Security Officer, and others. The Order is immediately in effect and remains in effect until the Order is amended or rescinded.
If you have questions on how these Executive Orders could affect your company, reach out to BABL AI and one of their Audit Experts can help.
