San Diego County is pursuing a new policy to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.
In response to the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) across numerous sectors, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors has initiated the development of a comprehensive policy framework governing the use of this technology within county operations. During their meeting on Tuesday, the Board directed key county officials to examine necessary policy updates as machine-learning technologies increasingly integrate into daily life.
The impetus for this action arose from a subcommittee, chaired by Supervisor Joel Anderson, which has spent the last six months formulating preliminary guidelines. The proposed framework aims to establish protocols detailing how AI will be deployed throughout county services while prioritizing the protection of personal data, direct services to constituents, and labor agreements.
Anderson emphasized the importance of leveraging AI technologies strategically to enhance service delivery without compromising public trust, equity, or privacy. He presented a vision for the AI governance framework, which includes the creation of an incident-response plan for AI-related issues, enhanced vendor accountability, and expanded educational initiatives for the workforce. This strategy is designed not only to embrace technological advancements but also to safeguard the interests of employees, residents, and businesses in the county.
The proposal received unanimous approval with a 3-0 vote, as Supervisor Jim Desmond was absent. Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer successfully advocated for the framework to align with the principles outlined in the AI Bill of Rights, adopted by the Biden administration in October 2022. She insisted that a follow-up consideration be scheduled before any formal implementation of the drafted policy.
The implications of AI technology extend far and wide, with generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot emerging to reshape content creation and data analysis. Experts predict that the societal impact of AI could surpass the transformative effects witnessed during the advent of the Internet and personal computing. However, many professionals caution against the unregulated use of these powerful tools due to the potential for bias and inaccuracy, which could threaten civil rights.
Various speakers at the meeting expressed concerns regarding the necessity of a policy framework that prioritizes both employee and public welfare. David Lagstein, political director for the Service Employees International Union Local 221, which represents a significant number of county employees, highlighted the dual nature of AI as both an opportunity and a challenge for the workforce and services.
County staff has been tasked with completing the necessary analysis to inform the Board’s decisions regarding the renewal of a billion information technology contract, set to be addressed later this year. Supervisor Anderson stressed that the county must capitalize on the continuously evolving technological landscape to ensure effective governance in the coming decade. The decisions made in this process will play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI usage in San Diego County.
With the adoption of this framework, the county seeks to navigate the complexities of AI integration thoughtfully while promoting equitable and responsible use that benefits all constituents.
