Miami-Dade plots its artificial intelligence strategy

A request last July for Miami-Dade County to research artificial intelligence (AI) has produced a report outlining key objectives and guidelines.

“As the use of AI in government continues to grow and change,” the report asserts, “we are committed to a balanced, people centric approach that prioritizes fairness, data privacy, security, and opportunities for the county’s workforce.”

“People centric” is a key element of the report. The resolution, introduced by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, asked how AI, among other factors, might impact county employment.

The jury is out on that issue. A study issued by Rutgers University last November predicted AI would eliminate more jobs that it will create. A report by Goldman Sachs, in fact, suggests that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs.

A 2021 report by the organization Better Policies for Better Lives, however, suggests AI may actually create jobs “as a result of AI and automation.”

“For instance,” the 2021 report says, “jobs that require strong digital skills may increase as these workers have a greater ability to adapt to and use AI at work.”

Among the top fears people have about AI is its intrusion in daily life, according to a Pew Research Center study. “Overall, 52% of Americans say they feel more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI,” the center reported.

All the primary AI concerns people mention revolve around loss of control, a Harvard Gazette report suggested under the headline “Great promise but, potential peril.”

Clearly movies and books about commuters taking control have exacerbated the loss of control fear, illustrated in the 1968 movie of Arthur C. Clarke’s book 2001, A Space Odyssey.

Astronaut Dave, piloting a pod outside of his spaceship, Discovery One, politely asked the ship’s computer, HAL 9000, to open the pod bay doors.

“I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that,” HAL responds.

The fear of the computers telling us “no” has existed for some time. Almost three-quarters of a century ago. Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot, published in 1950, explores the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

(As a brief aside, ChatGPT, an AI application used for this article, named the 1966 book by D.F. Jones, Colossus, as one of the earliest computer takeover books, even though I, Robot preceded it by 16 years. Colossus involves a supercomputer built for military defense, which gains sentience and ultimately takes control over human affairs.)

Conflicting AI answers kindle another top concern people have about it: Misinformation.

Microsoft’s AI vehicle Copilot, asked the same question, points to a story published more than a century ago. “The earliest known book that revolves around the theme of computers taking control is The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster, published in 1909.” The story “explores a world where human civilization is maintained by an omnipotent global machine. However, the machine eventually fails, leading to the collapse of civilization.”

Miami-Dade’s AI document “outlines a strategic approach to ensure a secure, ethical, transparent, and effective deployment of AI technologies across county government.

“Artificial Intelligence,” the report continued, “is rapidly transforming the business landscape and the expectations of the customers that engage with our services.”

The report bills itself “as a transparent framework for responsibly leveraging AI to enhance county services and governance.”

The county commission unanimously accepted the report this month without comment. It lists seven guiding objectives:

Ethical AI – “We commit to developing and deploying AI systems that are fair and inclusive, with regular audits to ensure ethical use throughout all stages of development and implementation. These measures will guide every stage of software procurement, and AI development in current systems as well as employee use of tools such as ChatGPT.”

Transparency and Accountability – “The county will ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes through existing procurement guidelines. In addition, with augmented system development, residents and stakeholders should understand how county AI systems arrive at conclusions, fostering accountability and public trust.”

Data Privacy and Security – “AI applications must adhere to data privacy standards and undergo regular security assessments as managed by the IT department Cybersecurity division.”

Data Integrity – “The county will prioritize the governance, preparation, and intake of datasets needed to ensure AI solutions are fueled by the highest quality data.”

Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Teams – “Our approach involves collaboration with experts, specialists, and community partners for enriched AI design and implementation.”

Beta Testing and Continuous Evaluation – “We advocate for small-scale beta projects as test beds of AI applications before full-scale deployment. Continuous evaluation will ensure ongoing performance, accuracy, and alignment with objectives.”

Human-AI Collaboration – “The county will center the integration of AI technologies to benefit the employee and end user experience focusing on AI that enhances human work, not replaces it. For example, the use of ChatGPT can enable county employees to enhance the quality and efficiency of county services.”