New Zealand unveils safe AI use guidelines for public sector

Similar guideline underway for private businesses, government says

New Zealand unveils safe AI use guidelines for public sector

The New Zealand government has unveiled new guidelines that will ensure the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the public sector.

Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins said using AI to improve public services is a priority for her, noting the technology's benefits for workplaces.

"AI presents a major opportunity to lift productivity and improve public service delivery but government must ensure it is done right," Collins said in a statement.

The Responsible AI Guidance for the Public Service, developed by the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO), seeks to support leaders, decision-makers, and those in the New Zealand Public Service working or planning to work with generative AI.

"It enables agencies to explore and adopt GenAI systems in ways that are safe, transparent and responsible, and which effectively balance risks with potential benefits of these systems," it reads.

AI use in public sector

In New Zealand, a cross-agency survey from the GCDO revealed that 37 out of 50 government organisations reported using AI at least once, with a total of 108 distinct AI use cases, as of July 2024.

The majority of AI use cases were for improving agency productivity and cost efficiency, such as:

  • Quality and efficiency: chatbots to help people more quickly find appropriate guidance and resources, document drafting, meeting summaries, and using search.
  • Digital detection and analysis: image analysis and detection for large image datasets, as well as retinal scanning, detection, and diagnosis.
  • Automated data summary and analysis: automated sentiment analysis, automated text, data analysis, factors modelling, disputes, submissions, engagement, staff sentiment summaries, and fraud detection.
  • Automated transcription: tools that help summarise meeting notes, phone and video calls, hearings and notes.

But according to the report, the biggest risk and barrier to safe adoption of AI within agencies is skills and capabilities, as well as policies and guidance.

Source: digital.govt.nz

In the wake of these risks, the GCDO has released the Public Service AI Framework, which outlines a structured approach to safely deploy all forms of AI used in the New Zealand public service.

The framework sits above the newly released AI guidance for the public sector, and is within the National AI Strategy, which remains in development.

Safe AI use for private sector

Meanwhile, Collins said the GCDO is currently working with the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to develop a similar guideline for businesses.

According to the government, various agencies have joined up to support the responsible use of AI across the public and private sector.

"AI systems are evolving rapidly, and government policies, guidance and use cases will continue to adapt alongside these advancements and public expectations," Collins said.

New Zealand's Office of the Privacy Commissioner previously issued a guidance resource reminding employers that generative AI's use of personal information is regulated under the Privacy Act.