Governor Maura Healey has unveiled the implementation of the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT across Massachusetts’ executive branch, which comprises approximately 40,000 employees. With this initiative, Massachusetts becomes the first state in the nation to adopt such a comprehensive approach.
The executive branch is collaborating with OpenAI to introduce the AI Assistant, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. According to the Governor’s office, the initial phase of ChatGPT’s deployment will focus on staff within the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (TSS).
“Our goal is to make government processes quicker and more efficient for the communities we serve. AI has the potential to revolutionize governmental operations. We are thrilled to partner with OpenAI to develop this AI Assistant, which will create a secure environment for employees while improving their service delivery to the residents of Massachusetts,” Governor Healey expressed in a press release.
The Governor’s Office clarified that the selection of ChatGPT followed a competitive procurement process. The rollout will occur within a “walled-off, secure environment that safeguards state data,” ensuring that employee interactions do not contribute to the training of public AI models. Policies regulating the use of this AI technology will be regularly updated by the TSS Privacy Office.
After the technology is integrated into the TSS Office, OpenAI’s services will extend to other secretariats and agencies within the executive branch in the coming months. The state plans to offer optional training sessions for employees to provide fundamental knowledge and best practices for effectively utilizing the tool.
“We are excited to partner with Massachusetts and are grateful to Governor Healey for her leadership in delivering ChatGPT to the state’s workforce. This initiative places Massachusetts at the forefront of a nationwide transition in government, where public servants can spend less time on administrative tasks and dedicate more time to their primary mission: serving the people of the Commonwealth,” stated OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
While some other states have initiated limited pilot programs for ChatGPT, the agreement with OpenAI positions Massachusetts as the first state to implement an enterprise-wide deployment of this technology.
