Amidst the struggle of the US federal government to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI), New York City emerges as a beacon of hope for the proponents of AI governance. The city has recently introduced an AI Action Plan, touted as a first in the nation by Mayor Eric Adams. This comprehensive plan comprises nearly 40 policy initiatives to protect residents from potential harm, such as bias or discrimination from AI use.
“While the US federal government struggles to regulate AI, New York City is stepping up, initiating an AI Action Plan and potentially an Office of Algorithmic Data Integrity.”
AI in the Big Apple: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The city’s approach towards AI regulation includes the development of standards for AI purchased by city agencies and new mechanisms to gauge the risk of AI employed by city departments. But the reach of New York’s AI regulation could soon grow further. City council member Jennifer Gutiérrez, chair of the body’s technology committee, has introduced legislation establishing an Office of Algorithmic Data Integrity to oversee AI in New York.
Office of Algorithmic Data Integrity: A Potential Game-Changer
Designed as an ombudsman for algorithms, the proposed office would provide a platform for citizens to lodge complaints about automated decision-making systems employed by public agencies. It would also assess AI systems for bias and discrimination before they are deployed by the city, thereby ensuring a more transparent and equitable use of AI technology.
AI Regulation: A Federal Struggle, A Local Victory
Despite the proposal from several US senators earlier this year to create a federal agency for AI regulation, the realization of such an agency seems distant. Gutiérrez, however, believes in the city’s unique responsibility to take the lead. With an array of city departments interested in using AI software for administrative tasks, Gutiérrez supports a testing requirement for algorithms the city government uses.
A Checkered Past, A Hopeful Future
New York City has a history of leading the way in AI regulation. A city task force was formed in 2018 to assess the use of AI technology, and a law requiring hiring algorithms used by businesses to be checked for bias was implemented earlier this year. However, there have been setbacks. For instance, Mayor Eric Adams canceled an executive order that created an Algorithms Management and Policy Officer to work with city agencies on deploying AI equitably. AI governance in the city remains challenging, calling for a more robust and comprehensive approach.
AI Regulation: A Global Imperative
Effective regulation becomes paramount as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives. New York City’s efforts highlight the importance of local governance in shaping AI policies and setting precedents for other cities and countries to emulate. As the town navigates the complexities of AI governance, the world watches, hoping for a model that balances innovation with safeguarding citizens’ rights.