Calif. Report Finds Generative AI Benefits, Risks for State Government

Generative AI with guardrails “can be responsibly used to spur innovation,” support the California government workforce and improve residents’ lives, according to a report released Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The governor ordered the state to study using generative AI for state government work in a September executive order (see 2309060037). Risks stem “from bad actors, insufficiently guarded governmental systems, unintended or emergent effects, and potential risks toward democratic and legal processes, public health and safety, and the economy,” the report said. “When used ethically and transparently, GenAI has the potential to dramatically improve service delivery outcomes and increase access to and utilization of government programs.” California Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong said the state will learn through trials “how to deploy this technology effectively to make the work of government employees easier and improve services we provide to the people of California.”