JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Mississippi isn't looking at artificial intelligence as a negative. Instead, the Governor is hoping the right use of it will allow the state to bring in more tech jobs.
"While AI has the potential to assist our state in countless ways, it is critical that appropriate safeguards be put in place to protect Mississippians and to protect our privacy," said Governor Tate Reeves.
But Governor Reeves' executive order doesn't call for any restrictions on the technology. Instead, a gathering of information for the rapidly changing tool.
"This executive order is the first step in getting us to where we need to get," he said. "But just as technology changes, the need for us to do more work is going to continue to evolve."
The order includes calling for an inventory of what state agencies are already using AI and for what purpose. But they'll go beyond public offices to learn how to model best practices.
"Don't think there's going to be a shortage of folks in the private sector that want to be engaged and involved in in providing recommendations and information."
He notes the tech companies located in and around the state and says that puts the state in a position to ensure the AI workforce is being trained here.
It's a move Pearl Superintendent Chris Chism is pleased to see. He's become an AI expert in his own right, sharing what he's learned with the legislative task force
"It's a very, very powerful tool and it's going to be moving forward extremely fast," said Chris Chism. "So, I do think we need to proceed with caution."
Chism believes getting feedback from others in the state, public and private, is the right move. But admits policies will be tricky since it's ever-changing. Still, he thinks there are ways to ensure the safeguards are in place.
"I've actually built a few things for the legislators themselves so they can use it," he added. "What it's like, so I think they see the power and the benefit of it. And now let's just make sure that we're taking steps in the right direction. I'm not saying take slow steps, but take calculated steps as we move forward. I think it's a great idea."
Want more WLBT news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.