In 2017, the town of Rotterdam within the Netherlands a synthetic intelligence (AI) system is used to find out how likely welfare recipients are to commit fraud. After analyzing the info, the system developed biases: it marked “high risk” individuals who identified themselves as female, young, with children and with little knowledge of the Dutch language.
The Rotterdam system was suspended in 2021 after an external ethics review, however it shows what can go unsuitable when governments roll out AI systems without proper oversight. As more local governments turn to AI to supply residents with real-time personalized services, a “smarter” environment and higher, safer systems, the risks are increasing.
As a part of ours ongoing researchWe studied 170 local governments all over the world that use various AI systems.
We have found that AI is already touching almost every aspect of public service delivery most governments There wasn't even a broadcast policy on this.
AI in on a regular basis governance
AI applications impact local governance in a profound way. Our international research uncovered 262 cases of AI adoption across 170 local authorities, covering a wide selection of technologies and services.
We found that these technologies are utilized in five key areas.
1. Administrative services. For example this Visit MadridGPT The tourism chatbot in Madrid, Spain provides visitors with personalized recommendations, real-time support and cultural insights.
2. Health care and well-being. For example, through the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2021, the Boston mayor's office within the United States opened an AI-controlled chatbot for contactless food delivery while addressing hunger and safety concerns.
3. Transport and concrete planning. Logan City in Australia has implemented a real-time AI system keeps drivers informed where parking is obtainable, reducing congestion and frustration. There is now AI-controlled route optimization for local public transport widely accepted to avoid wasting time and emissions.
4. Environmental management. An AI system is getting used in Hangzhou, China Classify waste more efficientlywhich increases recycling rates.
5. Public Safety and Law Enforcement. Chicago within the US has used sensors and AI automation to develop law enforcement strategies. According to the data, the town was involved in locating crime hotspots less gun violence by 25% in 2018. However, this technology has also increased ethical concerns raised about racial profiling.
The double-edged sword of AI
Our AI study found that as of May 2023, only 26 firms had published AI policies – lower than 16%. Most deploy powerful AI systems with no publicly accessible framework for public oversight or accountability.
This raises serious concerns about ethical violations, systemic bias and unregulated data use.
Without sound policy, local governments risk deploying powerful AI systems without critical controls or external oversight. Algorithms could inadvertently discriminate against certain populations when allocating resources reminiscent of public housing or health services. The stakes could also be incredibly high, reminiscent of Rotterdam's welfare fraud risk assessments.
Iryna Kalamurza/Shutterstock
For councils with AI policies, there was a transparent give attention to engaging with stakeholders, raising awareness amongst staff and residents, and ensuring transparency and regulation.
Among these, Barcelona City Council AI Policy stands out. Its policies include principles reminiscent of transparency regarding AI, ensuring that AI decisions are explainable and fair, and sets standards for other municipalities.
Public at nighttime
A recent survey conducted by our team in Australia, Spain and the US shows a major gap between public awareness and native government motion on AI. More than 75% of respondents were aware of AI technologies and their growing presence in on a regular basis life, but not when it got here to local government initiatives.
On average, half of respondents didn’t know that their local governments were actively using AI in public services. Even more worrying, 68% said that they had no concept that local governments have or could have policies on AI use.
This glaring lack of understanding raises urgent questions on local government transparency and communication. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into city management – from traffic monitoring to public safety and environmental sustainability – higher informing the general public is critical.
Without public understanding and commitment, efforts to construct trust, accountability and ethical oversight for AI in governance could face significant hurdles.
The future we face
There is little doubt AI systems have great potential to enhance city administration. But without policies that prioritize transparency, accountability and ethical use, cities risk setting in motion a system that might do more harm than good.
However, it shouldn’t be too late for local governments – and residents – to flee this bleak future. Local governments can Build robust AI policies that ensure fairness, transparency and ethical handling of knowledge. Citizens may be educated in regards to the role of AI in local governance.
AI applications shape and alter our world. But how we manage their integration into our communities will determine whether or not they are a force for good or just implementing prejudices and hidden agendas.
Our project is working with local governments in Australia, the US, Spain, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia to create AI guiding principles that we aim to finish by the top of 2025.
