Listen to this article

Just before the weekend, Gov. Phil Murphy’s office announced the next step in his administration’s efforts to promote the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by state workers.

In October, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 346, establishing an Artificial Intelligence Task Force. In this week’s Nov. 20 issue of NJBIZ, there is a full report on that EO and one signed at the federal level recently by President Joe Biden, as the topic and issues around AI usage, adaptation and security rapidly become more pressing with the technology evolving seemingly every day.

The policy update announced Nov. 17 focuses on enabling state government workers to use AI tools while ensuring that their use is properly disclosed and transparent — with all outputs independently fact-checked and that no confidential or protected information or data is shared or otherwise disclosed.

The Governor’s Office says that the policy lays the groundwork for governing and facilitating the use of AI technologies by Executive Branch departments and agencies, providing the foundation for future policies that will be developed in consultation with industry, academic and government experts to reflect the latest technological developments.

Along with the policy release, the State Office of Innovation collaborated with InnovateUS to produce an explainer video to help state workers understand how AI can be incorporated responsibly into their day-to-day jobs.

“We must continue to invest in our public sector workforce and equip them with the tools, skills, and knowledge to deliver best-in-class services to our residents, businesses, and institutions,” said Murphy in a press release. “Providing this guidance is just the first step to empowering our public workers to leverage innovative technologies like artificial intelligence by ensuring that our public professionals can use these powerful tools responsibly and confidently.”

“Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to unlock new opportunities for the public sector to engage with residents at scale, effectively use data in new ways, communicate more inclusively, and deliver more effective and equitable services to New Jerseyans,” said Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey’s chief innovation officer. “In order to realize that potential, we must invest in training public workers to use emerging technologies in a responsible, equitable, and secure manner.”

Next year, the Office of Innovation will collaborate further with InnovateUS to launch a free, at-your-own pace AI training program and live workshops catered to state workers.

More information on the AI policy and the next explainer video can be found here.