Larimer County commissioners convened with county technology officials on Monday to explore the realm of artificial intelligence, delving into its potential benefits for the county while also acknowledging the associated risks.
At the conclusion of the meeting, commissioners expressed apprehensions regarding AI and emphasized the importance of adopting a cautious approach when formulating policies related to its implementation.
The discussion primarily revolved around generative AI, a technology capable of creating various forms of media such as drawings, poems, blueprints, or responses to inquiries. An intriguing example showcased a simulated version of actor Morgan Freeman delivering a speech on AI, commencing with the disclaimer “I am not Morgan Freeman” in the actor’s iconic voice.
While the theoretical foundations of AI trace back to the 1940s, Larimer County Director of Innovation and Insights, Gregg Turnbull, highlighted a surge in AI interest around November 2022, coinciding with the public availability of ChatGPT. This consumer-oriented AI can generate images based on prompts and provide responses to user queries.
The county employs AI technology for diverse purposes. For instance, an illustration presented involved Pi, an AI devised by LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman to function as a customer service representative for county-related inquiries.
During an interaction with Pi regarding a street name change notification, the AI responded in a personable female voice, suggesting contacting the Larimer County addressing team for further assistance. This unexpected response prompted surprise among officials, underscoring the AI’s evolving capabilities.
Turnbull and Chief Intelligence Officer Mark Pfaffinger addressed concerns surrounding AI, particularly its susceptibility to biases. They highlighted how the AI’s decision-making processes are influenced by the data it receives, potentially perpetuating biases like racism or sexism. Pfaffinger cited an instance where Amazon’s AI screening tool inadvertently discriminated against female job applicants due to skewed data inputs.
In light of these considerations, Larimer County officials sought guidance from commissioners to establish robust policies and regulations governing AI usage. Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally emphasized the necessity of implementing stringent rules to mitigate the adverse impacts of AI.
Moreover, Pfaffinger mentioned a collaborative effort involving 140 agencies, including Larimer County, Seattle, and San Jose, aimed at formulating effective AI policies. Larimer County stands to benefit from the insights gleaned from larger cities’ policy frameworks.
Commissioner Kristin Stephens advocated for comprehensive staff training on AI ethics, underscoring the significance of understanding both the benefits and ethical challenges associated with AI implementation.
