AI is the technology that allows machines to perform tasks similar to humans. It can problem-solve, learn and make decisions, create art, simplify Google searches and write college essays.
Soon, Cary residents will see more of the technology woven into their everyday activities.
At a Town Council meeting last week, Councilwoman Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson recommended the town create policies for the use of AI in its operations.
With over 187,000 residents, Cary has expanded services to serve a growing community. So far, this includes some minor forms of AI.
“AI technology is at the forefront,” Bush said at Thursday’s meeting. “Our staff is using it. They’re using it to help with transcribing our meeting minutes. I’ve used it to plan my own itineraries for travel.”
Being open and transparent
Cary staff already have a procedure for identifying when they use or cite AI internally.
But Bush said residents should also know when it is being used.
“We can help harness the benefits of AI technology in a way that’s open, transparent and that our citizens are aware of how, when, where and what we’re doing with the data,” she said.
Many local governments use AI systems and tools like chatboxes on their websites to help users find information online.
Others have used it to translate documents into different languages, and in Elgin, Illinois, police, may use AI to generateincident reports.
Last summer, Cary’s communications and emergency services departmentsbegan testing RapidSOS Alarm Call Automation which quickly transcribes 911 calls and aids in faster response times.
Bush added that the Cary Fire Department is testing the use of thermal cameras with AI to locate people in burning buildings.
Councilwoman Carissa Kohn-Johnson works with AI systems in her job at Axcient, a computer application company, and said the town should also be aware of the “potential risks” of using the technology.
“This is something that needs to be continuously revisited because AI, as we understand it now, will look so significantly different in a very short period of time,” she said. “It’s something that can do great, great good. It can help us. … But, of course, it’s something that needs to be looked at and scrutinized.”
Protecting personal information
Bush said she especially wants to protect people’s personal information.
Many may not know how AI works or collects data. Systems like ChatGPT, or OpenAI, can take users’ personal data like addresses, computer IP addresses, and information off resumes posted online.
“When you put information out into the national language model, you’re putting data out that can then be used for other people,” Bush said. “That is one of the worries, but there’s lots of opportunities as well.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Robinson said at some point the town should consider data governance and management in any AI policies.
Town staff will present a draft AI plan to the council at a future meeting.
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