Austin city council approves guidelines for using artificial intelligence

The resolution requires all AI use by the city to have human review and oversight. It also places restrictions on data sharing and requires reports on the technology’s environmental impact.

The resolution was brought forward by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, who said the guidelines: “will help ensure the City uses artificial intelligence ethically by monitoring environmental impacts, strengthening workforce protections, and promoting public engagement.”
 

Speakers at Thursday’s Austin city council meeting voiced support for the guidelines, saying the rules also protect workers.

“We have a real opportunity to lead and shape how cities across the country approach AI, not just as a tool, but a human one,” one speaker said.

“This is a strong, forward-thinking policy that sets the right standard for AI in the public sector, that’s transparent, ethical, with workers at the table,” another said.