The civic tech nonprofit, Code for America, outlines two questions to ask when determining whether to use artificial intelligence in government. “We prioritize AI solutions that strengthen programs and reduce barriers for the people who need them most and deploy AI when it unlocks capabilities that weren’t previously feasible at the scale, speed, or cost that public services demand,” the organization explains in an April 29 article. The first question they pose: Does AI unlock something new? When answering, Code for America likes to focus on whether AI brings complexity or adds simplicity—choosing AI when that simplifies processes. The second question they ask: Can we manage the risks that come with it? “No technology is risk free—including the systems governments rely on,” the authors note; they emphasize the importance of a thoughtful review to get design choices correct.
Democracy Forward announced on May 21 that The National Federation of the Blind filed a lawsuit challenging the federal governments delay of website accessibility features designed to help blind people and those with other disabilities access government and healthcare services online. According to the press release, “the delays threaten access to critical services that millions of people depend on every day, including voter registration, healthcare portals, telehealth appointments, unemployment benefits, educational materials, public records, licensing applications, and emergency information.”
The complaint explains how inaccessible websites and apps create barriers for blind individuals, hindering equal participation in civic life, education, healthcare and employment. The lawsuit claims the administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act by issuing delays without notice-and-comment procedures and by overlooking harm to people with disabilities. The National Federation of the Blind asks the court to block the delays and reinstate the original deadlines.
A report from Google Cloud and the National Research Group reveals statistics on the use of GenAI and agentic AI in government. The organizations surveyed 251 public sector leaders. According to the research, 42% of respondents say they use over 10 AI agents. They use these AI agents for (59%) for constituent/customer service and experience, (56%) for tech support and (51%) for software development. “Implementations range from agents that can help automate workflows across logistics, research, transportation, healthcare, national security and more – to multi-agent systems that are fundamentally changing the the way governments operate, make decisions, and deliver critical services.”
Renee Moseley joined GL Solutions in 2016 with an educational and professional background in research and writing, along with software documentation. At GL Solutions she produces informative content to help regulatory agencies stay current on news and information that supports their success.
