Washington became the latest state to issue an executive order related to generative AI as government agencies try to keep up with the rapidly developing technology that is causing both optimism and concern over its potential impact.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed the order on Tuesday, directing state officials over the next year to identify potential generative AI initiatives for internal operations and set guidelines for how the tech is procured, used, and monitored.
The order also asks the state to examine the impact of generative AI on vulnerable communities; on the state’s workforce; and on potential education-related opportunities.
“It’s our duty to the public to be thorough and thoughtful in how we adopt these powerful new tools,” Inslee said in a statement.
Washington’s executive order is modeled on California’s, which was released in September.
Inslee is the 10th governor to issue an executive order on generative AI. Others including Seattle, New York City, and the White House have put out similar orders.
Meanwhile, there is new proposed legislation in Washington state, SB 5838 and the companion HB 1934, that would establish a task force to assess current uses and trends in AI and make recommendations to the legislature regarding standards and regulation.
Some worry about policymakers’ ability to get a handle on fast-moving AI technologies and implement new laws.
“One thing that concerns me having now left government … is just the slowness and the inability for agencies to respond,” former Washington senator David Frockt said during a discussion Monday in Seattle about the implications of AI on politics.
Misinformation researchers and policy experts on the panel pointed to potential benefits of AI for government, including the ability to better forecast traffic and weather, or give citizens an easier way to access civic-related data.
“It would be a very strange world where we didn’t bring to bear these tools to improve government and governance,” said University of Washington law professor Ryan Calo.
Calo also said revamped legislation is needed to keep up with the evolution of technology.
“If artificial intelligence is going to change everything, one of the things that needs to change is law and legal institutions,” he said.
Washington governor signs executive order on generative AI by GeekWire on Scribd
