Some government agencies have been trialling the use of AI in non-public facing roles. Photo: 123RF
The government has put out its framework for developing and using artificial intelligence across the public service.
Several government agencies including ACC have recently been trialling the use of AI in non-public facing work.
The new framework puts efficiency, transparency and safety to the fore.
"AI is evolving rapidly and if inaccuracy or misuse were to cause failure in public service delivery, the consequences could be serious," the framework said.
"Privacy, security and ethical risks need to be carefully considered."
Among the framework's principles, that draw from work by the OECD, are that agencies must publicly disclose how the use of AI affects any outcomes.
Also, public service workers have a right to be consulted about changes from AI in how they work.
Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins has been pushing for more use of AI and the Cabinet has agreed to light touch regulating of it.
Updated guidance on the use of generative AI is due out soon.
The existing guidance recommends not using it for any data classified sensitive or above, or for critical operations, and to avoid where possible putting any personal data into GenAI tools.
