Governor Kotek Launches Oregon State Government AI Advisory Council

In response to the surging influence of generative artificial intelligence on societal dynamics, Governor Tina Kotek declared yesterday the establishment of the Oregon State Government AI Advisory Council. The primary objective of this council is to formulate recommendations for the proficient deployment of AI across the state government.

Governor Kotek emphasized the pivotal role of artificial intelligence, stating, “AI is an important new frontier, presenting both substantial benefits and risks that demand our preparedness. As we navigate this rapidly evolving technological landscape, we must confront questions pertaining to ethics, privacy, equity, security, and social change. Ensuring the safe and beneficial use of artificial intelligence is now more crucial than ever.”

The council’s mission is to deliver a comprehensive action plan framework to the Governor’s Office within six months of its inaugural meeting, with a final action plan due no later than 12 months thereafter. This plan seeks to optimize the benefits of ethical AI implementation while incorporating governance and standards to mitigate potential risks and address concerns surrounding privacy, ethics, and equity.

The overarching goal is to establish clear usage policies for AI tools in Oregon, emphasizing transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and safeguarding personally identifiable information and other sensitive data.

Details regarding full council membership and meeting schedules will be disclosed at a later date. The Council, chaired by the Oregon State Chief Information Officer, will comprise no more than 15 members, all of whom must demonstrate a commitment to data ethics and equity. Notable members include the Oregon State Chief Data Officer, a representative from the Governor’s Racial Justice Council, and the Department of Administrative Services Cultural Change Officer. The remaining positions will be filled by Governor Kotek’s appointments, potentially including experts from community organizations specializing in data justice, AI professionals from Oregon universities, and representatives from local governments.

In a nod to national initiatives, Governor Kotek drew attention to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s publication of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights last year. This document underscores the necessity of ethical and equitable principles, practices, and guidelines to shield individuals from harm as governments embrace artificial intelligence.

The formation of the Oregon State Government AI Advisory Council stems from the signing of Executive Order 23-26, accessible here.