Council drafts rules for AI use

GUNNEDAH Shire Council has proposed new rules for the use of artificial intelligence across its operations, including restrictions aimed at protecting personal information and ensuring people remain responsible for decisions.

The draft Artificial Intelligence Policy outlines how council staff, councillors, contractors, consultants, volunteers and service providers would be able to use the technology.

The council says AI could help analyse large amounts of information, improve services, reduce costs and free staff from repetitive work.

However, it would only be used when it offered a clear benefit and was considered more suitable than other options.

Under the draft policy, personal or sensitive information could not be entered into generative AI programs, including chatbots.

AI would also be barred from making statutory decisions or legal judgements, while any recommendations produced using the technology would need to be reviewed by a person.

Systems could not be used if the council was unable to clearly explain how an outcome had been reached.

Staff would also need approval from the executive leadership team before using third-party AI tools that had not already been authorised.

The policy also seeks to reduce the risk of biased or inaccurate results by requiring the council to consider the quality of information being used and regularly monitor AI systems.

Privacy and cybersecurity risks would need to be addressed before any project proceeded.

Members of the public would be able to question or seek a review of decisions informed by AI, while information about the purpose and operation of projects would generally be made publicly available.

The corporate services director would oversee staff training and the development of a council-wide approach to the technology, while the ICT steering committee would review proposals and monitor risks and incidents.

Although local councils are not required to follow the NSW government’s AI frameworks, Gunnedah Shire Council’s draft policy adopts the state’s principles covering community benefit, fairness, privacy, transparency and accountability.

The draft policy is on public exhibition until 5pm on Thursday 13 August.

Submissions can be made through the council’s website.