New Jersey Introduces New AI Policy for State Employees

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has unveiled a new policy to guide State employees in the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), marking a step towards integrating advanced technology into government operations.

Governor Phil Murphy, building on his recent establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Task Force, announced a new AI policy for State employees. The initiative aims to harness the potential of generative AI, "empowering our public workers to leverage innovative technologies like artificial intelligence," says Governor Murphy.

The State’s Office of Innovation, collaborating with InnovateUS, has released an explainer video, the first in a series of educational resources. These are aimed at helping State employees understand and integrate generative AI into their daily tasks. This initiative will expand next year with more comprehensive training programs and workshops, enhancing AI literacy among New Jersey's State workforce.

“Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to unlock new opportunities for the public sector to engage with residents at scale, effectively use data in new ways, communicate more inclusively, and deliver more effective and equitable services to New Jerseyans,” said Beth Simone Noveck, the State of New Jersey's Chief Innovation Officer.

The Governor’s recent executive order (EO 346), which established the Task Force, also directed the State’s Office of Information Technology to develop, govern, and facilitate the use of artificial intelligence technologies by Executive Branch departments and agencies. 

The policy announced today fulfills this aspect of the executive order and will provide the foundation for future governance developed in consultation with industry, academic, and government experts to reflect the latest technological developments.

Today's announcement mandates State government employees' use of generative artificial intelligence be appropriately disclosed and transparent, that all outputs are independently fact-checked, and that no confidential or protected information or data is shared or otherwise disclosed. 

“Protecting the privacy of residents and the security of State government systems is paramount,” said New Jersey State Chief Technology Officer Chris Rein. “Generative AI is rapidly being used, adopted, and leveraged, and while we see Generative AI’s incredible potential to uplift communities and connect them with valuable State resources and services, we must ensure we’re using these technologies in a manner that’s equitable, safe, and secure.”

For more information and to view the explainer video, the public can visit the New Jersey Office of Innovation’s dedicated AI webpage at https://innovation.nj.gov/skills/ai/.