Maryland Governor Introduces Comprehensive Technological Revamp for State Government, Including AI Directive
Maryland’s Governor, Wes Moore, recently announced a series of significant IT initiatives aimed at modernizing the state government. These initiatives include the issuance of an executive order on artificial intelligence (AI), the establishment of a new online services team, a collaboration with the National Guard, and the implementation of an accessibility policy for electronic devices.
During a recent event, Governor Moore unveiled these four key initiatives, emphasizing the state’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, integrating AI ethically into government operations, and improving access to state resources, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Governor Moore highlighted the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements, stating, “The world is evolving rapidly, and it is crucial that we keep up with these changes to avoid being left behind.” He underscored the need for government modernization to align with the demands of the 21st century.
Katie Savage, the IT director, echoed Moore’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of AI implementation across all state agencies to ensure efficient and cohesive utilization of the technology.
Addressing potential concerns about AI and cybersecurity, Governor Moore reassured Maryland residents, stating, “We must confront the challenges posed by AI and cybersecurity head-on. By proactively embracing these technologies, we can better prepare for the future and safeguard our state against emerging threats.”
Savage elaborated on the executive order’s objectives, outlining plans for scenario identification, pilot programs, and the intersection of AI with workforce development and security initiatives to facilitate continuous learning and improvement.
The addition of a digital services team, equipped with the necessary expertise in IT development, is poised to drive Maryland’s government modernization efforts forward. Savage emphasized the importance of roles such as user experience designers, product managers, data scientists, and engineers in advancing the state’s technological capabilities.
The creation of the online services team and the accessibility policy reflects Maryland’s commitment to ensuring equal access to digital services for all residents, regardless of their abilities.
Furthermore, Moore and Savage introduced the Maryland Cybersecurity Task Force to enhance the state’s security posture and support local cybersecurity initiatives. Collaboration with the National Guard will focus on program surveillance, incident response, and risk mitigation to bolster the state’s cybersecurity defenses.
