AI chatbots making waves in government, sparking concerns

Government agencies in the United States are increasingly incorporating generative AI, such as ChatGPT, into their operations. However, this adoption has raised concerns about cybersecurity, accountability and transparency. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Maine have restricted or banned the use of AI chatbots due to cybersecurity worries, while other states like Vermont and California have taken varying approaches. The challenges lie in balancing the benefits of AI with governmental accountability and ensuring compliance with transparency laws. There are ethical concerns, but agencies are also exploring the potential benefits of using generative AI for tasks like legal document simplification in Arizona. Federal guidance is seen as crucial to set ethical standards and maintain consistency in the use of generative AI tools across government agencies.