Rhode Island Launches AI Awareness Survey

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

The Rhode Island AI Task Force is conducting a survey to measure public awareness of artificial intelligence.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence Task Force has launched a public survey to gauge awareness and experiences with AI among residents. Established to shape policy, the survey is part of the state’s initiative to lead in AI technology. Residents can participate until May 9, 2025, and contribute their insights on AI’s impact and opportunities. The task force aims to align AI’s development with citizen needs, encouraging public engagement for effective policymaking in the evolving technological landscape.

Providence, Rhode Island — The Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence Task Force has launched an online survey designed to measure public awareness and experience with artificial intelligence (AI) among residents. This initiative, introduced by Governor Dan McKee, aims to position Rhode Island as a national frontrunner in AI and related technologies.

The survey will remain accessible until May 9, 2025, allowing participants ample time to provide their insights. Residents can expect to spend around 10 minutes on the survey, though the completion time may vary depending on the length of write-in responses. This effort reflects the task force’s commitment to listening to the public as it formulates policy recommendations regarding AI.

The AI Task Force was established in February 2024 to investigate responsible and innovative uses of AI in both government operations and the private sector. Chaired by former U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, an expert in cybersecurity, and vice-chaired by Chris Parisi, the founder of Trailblaze Marketing, the task force includes members from diverse fields such as government, technology, healthcare, education, and business.

Key topics being assessed in the survey include the familiarity residents have with AI, its application in the workplace, and its overall impact on employment. Respondents are encouraged to explore both the opportunities presented by AI and the potential risks it entails for Rhode Island. Furthermore, sections of the survey will solicit public opinion regarding the state’s leadership role in the evolving landscape of AI technologies.

Participants also have the option to provide their email addresses to receive updates and information about future events organized by the AI Task Force. Governor McKee has emphasized that public feedback is crucial for shaping the future of AI in Rhode Island and ensuring that technological advancements benefit all citizens.

The establishment of the AI Task Force aligns with the recent creation of the Institute of Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College, further demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and ethics in technology. The task force aims to use the insights collected through the survey to inform state policies that will directly address the challenges and opportunities posed by AI.

The surge in generative AI technologies since 2022 has significantly impacted the adoption and utilization of AI tools across various sectors. The task force believes that understanding how Rhode Islanders view and interact with these technologies will provide valuable data that can drive progress and support beneficial AI initiatives in the state.

Governor McKee’s administration seeks to utilize technology to enhance public services and improve efficiencies in government operations. By actively seeking public participation through this survey, officials hope to cultivate an informed approach to AI that aligns with the needs and concerns of Rhode Island’s residents.

As the survey takes shape, the AI Task Force encourages all residents to contribute their perspectives and experiences. This feedback will be instrumental as Rhode Island navigates the complexities of artificial intelligence in a rapidly changing technological environment.