Cole County is working on new guidelines for how employees can use artificial intelligence, with a focus on protecting sensitive information and making sure AI-generated content is accurate.
Initial Steps in AI Policy Development Cole County is in the early stages of formulating guidelines for its employees regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The primary goal is to establish clear expectations for AI usage, focusing on safeguarding sensitive county information and ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content. Core Principles of the Draft Guidelines Information Systems Director Brian Ridenhour presented a preliminary draft of the guidelines to the commission. Key principles include transparency, explainability, accountability, and human oversight. The guidelines emphasize that human judgment must remain paramount, especially for critical decisions that could significantly impact individuals, and AI should not be solely responsible for such outcomes. These measures are being proactively developed to prevent potential issues before they arise with the evolving technology. Protecting Sensitive Information with AI A significant concern addressed in the guidelines is the protection of proprietary and sensitive county information. Employees are cautioned against inputting confidential data, such as HIPAA-related information or Personally Identifiable Information (PII), into publicly available AI systems like Google Gemini. The county stresses the responsibility of its employees and elected officials to use AI properly without exposing private county data. Ensuring Accuracy and Establishing Oversight Beyond data protection, officials are focusing on the accuracy of AI-generated responses. Employees must understand that content produced by AI might not always be accurate and requires thorough vetting. To oversee the implementation and evolution of these guidelines, a committee composed of representatives from different county departments will be formed, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on how AI influences county operations. Future Considerations: Disclosures and Technology Transition The county is also exploring the possibility of implementing AI disclosures, similar to those seen on social media platforms, for any content generated by AI and released by the county. Additionally, Cole County is in the process of transitioning to Microsoft Copilot through Microsoft 365, indicating a strategic move towards integrated AI tools. A timeline for finalizing these comprehensive AI guidelines has not yet been announced.
Initial Steps in AI Policy Development
Cole County is in the early stages of formulating guidelines for its employees regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The primary goal is to establish clear expectations for AI usage, focusing on safeguarding sensitive county information and ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content.
Core Principles of the Draft Guidelines
Information Systems Director Brian Ridenhour presented a preliminary draft of the guidelines to the commission. Key principles include transparency, explainability, accountability, and human oversight. The guidelines emphasize that human judgment must remain paramount, especially for critical decisions that could significantly impact individuals, and AI should not be solely responsible for such outcomes. These measures are being proactively developed to prevent potential issues before they arise with the evolving technology.
Protecting Sensitive Information with AI
A significant concern addressed in the guidelines is the protection of proprietary and sensitive county information. Employees are cautioned against inputting confidential data, such as HIPAA-related information or Personally Identifiable Information (PII), into publicly available AI systems like Google Gemini. The county stresses the responsibility of its employees and elected officials to use AI properly without exposing private county data.
Ensuring Accuracy and Establishing Oversight
Beyond data protection, officials are focusing on the accuracy of AI-generated responses. Employees must understand that content produced by AI might not always be accurate and requires thorough vetting. To oversee the implementation and evolution of these guidelines, a committee composed of representatives from different county departments will be formed, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on how AI influences county operations.
Future Considerations: Disclosures and Technology Transition
The county is also exploring the possibility of implementing AI disclosures, similar to those seen on social media platforms, for any content generated by AI and released by the county. Additionally, Cole County is in the process of transitioning to Microsoft Copilot through Microsoft 365, indicating a strategic move towards integrated AI tools. A timeline for finalizing these comprehensive AI guidelines has not yet been announced.
