‘Striking a balance’ with generative AI key in New Jersey, CIO says

Generative artificial intelligence could revolutionize state government, but it must be done responsibly and with proper oversight to ensure it’s ethically used, New Jersey Chief Technology Officer Chris Rein told StateScoop in a recent video interview.

Rein said there are challenges in balancing the benefits and risks of generative AI in state government. Legislation, he said, will be key to protecting data privacy in New Jersey.

“There’s so much going on with the capabilities, the hype, the promise of better services being delivered with artificial intelligence. But at the same time, we have a government to run,” Rein said. “We have to make sure that we continue to use our residents’ data in a way that gives them confidence that we’re proper stewards. And yet, we don’t want to pass this opportunity by, so it really is striking a balance.”

Rein said he hopes to finalize a report from the governor’s AI task force, created in late 2023, that will provide recommendations for the responsible use of generative AI in New Jersey. He said he also plans to work with the state legislature and governor’s office to fund and regulate generative AI initiatives.