Counties and municipalities around the United States may look at Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors’ comprehensive new artificial intelligence (AI) policy. The policy, officially named Administrative Policy 9-6, was developed by the County’s Information Systems Department and aims to streamline AI adoption while ensuring that its use aligns with legal and ethical standards.
At its core, the policy is designed to protect sensitive data, uphold transparency, and prevent AI misuse in decision-making processes, making Sonoma County a leader in responsible AI governance. The policy outlines the specific conditions under which County employees may use AI technologies, including tools like ChatGPT, and highlights the importance of transparency in content generation.
The newly adopted policy reflects the County’s recognition of the potential benefits AI can bring, such as improving efficiency and reducing costs. However, Sonoma County’s leadership has taken a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of ethics and transparency in AI.
Supervisor David Rabbitt, chair of the Board of Supervisors, stated, “We are on the cusp of the artificial intelligence revolution, and we understand the opportunities we have to harness this technology to realize efficiency and cost-savings for the public. At the same time, there is a lot that we still don’t know about AI, which is why we need to proceed with caution in a secure and ethical manner.”
The policy prohibits the use of AI for critical decision-making tasks that could lead to biased or discriminatory outcomes. This includes decisions that may limit or exclude available options that would otherwise be considered, ensuring that AI is not used in ways that could unintentionally harm individuals or communities. As an example, AI is allowed to assist with routine tasks such as drafting documents and summarizing information, but sensitive or personal data is explicitly prohibited from being entered into AI systems.
To promote transparency, the policy requires all County employees using AI technologies to disclose when AI has been used to generate or contribute to content. This provision aims to foster public trust and ensure that AI remains a tool that supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making and creativity.
Furthermore, employees are responsible for fact-checking and reviewing all AI-generated content, ensuring that the final output is accurate and compliant with the County’s standards. The policy also requires ongoing oversight by the County’s Information Security Officer and legal team to ensure that AI systems remain compliant with data protection and privacy laws.
The policy can serve as a model for other local governments exploring how to incorporate AI into their operations. Sonoma County’s approach demonstrates that it is possible to embrace AI’s benefits while mitigating potential risks. This policy emphasizes a balanced approach, where technology is leveraged to improve public services, but always with careful attention to data security, privacy, and ethics.
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If you’re wondering how Sonoma County’s AI policy, or any other AI policy and legislation 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 concern
