Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI refers to technologies that simulate human perception, behavior, and decision making. It's important to understand that AI is an umbrella term encompassing various applications that often have little in common apart from learning from data.
AI is not a new concept, it has existed for decades, but over the past few years AI has garnered significant attention due to recent advancements in Generative AI.
AI is built by people creating "algorithms", which combine math and logical rules to handle tasks like translating languages (e.g., Google translate), creating new content (e.g., ChatGPT), understanding your voice (e.g., Siri , Alexa, etc.) and other functions.
How is Metro thinking about AI use within the city?
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Metro) understands the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the delivery of services to residents and visitors. At the same time, we understand the concerns some may have with these solutions as well as the need to address information security and data privacy obligations. As Metro looks to use AI solutions, we understand the importance of ensuring that those AI systems are effective and trustworthy. Examples of potential AI uses includes:
- Improving city services: using AI to improve outcomes for residents.
- Enhancing staff capacity: using AI to allow our workforce to build more efficient operations and automate routine tasks.
- Deeper insight and analysis: using AI to better leverage Metro-wide data to help bring real time information to important decisions like repairs, budget allocation, and more.
How is AI currently being used by Metro?
Metro currently maintains a list of AI use within Metro in an effort to promote transparency and meaningfully communicate the AI systems that are in use. For each AI system, you can find a basic description of its function and additional technical details.
Does this mean decisions or policies are being made by computers?
While AI is a valuable tool for processing large amounts of information, it is not a replacement for human judgment. AI tools can be used to analyze data and provide recommendations. However, Metro staff and leaders are always ultimately responsible for the final output or decision, even when assisted by AI. Metro staff does not let AI make actionable decisions, like approving a job application or responding to emergencies. Metro will always promote a people first approach when it comes to our residents and visitors.
What kinds of AI are being used by the city?
Metro currently maintains a list of AI use within Metro in an effort to promote transparency and meaningfully communicate the AI systems that are in use. For each AI system, you can find a basic description of its function and additional technical details.
Is my data safe?
Metro regularly handles sensitive data about residents and visitors. Metro recognizes that the use of AI, particularly generative AI, introduces new risks to data privacy and security.
Practices such as establishing rules for AI use, ensuring compliance with risk management policies, and incorporating strong cybersecurity habits throughout Metro departments helps to minimize threats to privacy and security and helps Metro meet out Responsible AI goal of “Security”.
How will this affect staff?
Metro staff will be asked to comply with new policies governing the use of AI tools and undergo training to develop new skills to effectively and responsibly use AI. The implementation of AI tools by Metro is not intended to replace staff or eliminate jobs, but rather to expand staff capacity and free staff to focus time and attention more strategically on important priorities for their work.
How will Metro manage AI risk?
Metro has established an AI mission and responsible AI goals. Metro uses a principled based, technology agnostic policy, risk based assessment processes, and various documented standards and guidance, to help ensure that Metro’s AI-powered technology acquisitions perform accurately, minimize bias, are reliable and meets Metro’s guiding responsible AI goals.
