(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the release of a policy governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within state government that encourages innovation while defining core principles for responsible implementation and effective management of the technology.
“Ohio is at the forefront of the innovative use of technology in the public sector and AI has great potential as a tool for productivity, as well as education, customer service, and quality of life,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Ohio needed this guiding policy to leverage the power of AI while also protecting the data behind this rapidly changing technology. AI has the potential to transform the world so we’re building a framework to ensure its responsible use in state government to improve the way we serve our customers, the people of the state of Ohio.”
Developed by a group of state government leaders and IT experts that was convened by Husted, the policy provides guidance on the responsible use of AI in State of Ohio solutions. In addition, it establishes guardrails and governance for generative AI, which can generate new content such as code, images, music, text, simulations, 3D objects, and videos.
This policy details the requirements for integrating AI technologies into state solutions, including a formal process for identifying, documenting, reviewing, and approving AI use. It also establishes guidance for the implementation of:
- Training for State of Ohio employees in both technical and nontechnical roles on the implications and appropriate use of AI.
- Procurement guidelines requiring business partners to share information related to use of AI and protection of state data.
- Security and privacy controls for agencies to ensure AI solutions adhere to state IT security and privacy laws, policies, and standards.
- Statewide data governance requirements.
- A multi-agency AI Council, supported by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), responsible for establishing the framework for evaluating and authorizing the use of generative AI technology, and examining the social, economic, and legal impacts of AI adoption on the workforce, Ohioans, and business operations.
The entire policy is posted at DAS.Ohio.gov.
Husted, who is also Director of InnovateOhio, hosted a series of AI forums around the state this summer that brought together experts and thought leaders to explore the power of AI and examine its evolving landscape. InnovateOhio is leading a culture shift in state government by embracing the use technology to improve the lives of Ohioans and transform state services.