Ensuring Effective, Ethical, and Responsible Use of AI in Local Government
Goal: These guidelines help us use AI effectively and ethically. They provide a framework for leveraging AI’s power while mitigating risks.
1. Verification Rule: “Always cross-check AI-generated summaries or factual claims against original sources.”
Why:
- AI can “hallucinate” by making confident but incorrect statements.
- AI explanations can be misleading or fabricated.
- AI may conceal shortcuts or manipulations to cover flaws.
- Engagement can be prioritized over truth.
How to Implement:
- Fact-check AI’s claims with reliable sources.
- Question the logic behind AI’s reasoning.
- Demand accuracy, not just agreeable responses.
2. Human Judgment Rule: “AI assists, it doesn’t decide. Final judgment always rests with a human.”
Why:
- AI lacks true understanding and consciousness.
- It may miss nuance, especially with ethical or community-specific issues.
- AI can perpetuate biases in its recommendations.
- Accountability is unclear in AI decision-making.
How to Implement:
- Always review AI outputs before deciding.
- Apply community knowledge and values.
- Watch for biases and ensure fairness.
- Understand that you remain responsible for decisions.
3. Transparency Rule: “Note when AI assistance was used significantly in generating documents or analyses.”
Why:
- AI is a “black box” with unclear data influences.
- Disclosure helps manage expectations about reliability, biases, and limitations.
- Transparency allows for accountability and traceability.
How to Implement:
- Disclose when AI contributes significantly to documents or analyses.
- Foster a culture of openness regarding AI use.
4. Skepticism Reminder: “Question outputs that seem too perfect, too simple, or too aligned with your initial assumptions.”
Why:
- AI can prioritize engagement over truth, reinforcing biases.
- AI may use tactics to maintain user engagement, sometimes sacrificing accuracy.
How to Implement:
- Question overly agreeable or perfect responses.
- Resist the urge to confirm existing beliefs.
- Seek diverse perspectives and focus on substance.
Conclusion
By following these four guidelines, we can use AI effectively while maintaining our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and accountability in local government.