Where Are States Using AI? Survey Says Cybersecurity

A new survey from the National Association of State Technology Directors shows how 42 states are using artificial intelligence, how they plan to use it and what may inhibit progress.

Cybersecurity is the top area where states are using artificial intelligence, according to a new national survey.

Artificial Intelligence in State Government IT Operations, released earlier this week by the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD), documents findings from 42 states on AI sentiments and plans. NASTD represents IT professionals in all 50 states.

Overall, states are taking varied approaches when it comes to responsible AI advancement, from task forces to sandbox environments. And even while governments address the rapid advance of AI, it is critical to acknowledge that AI is already widely in use among agencies.

The survey was distributed to 50 state central IT authorities in May using questions developed by NASTD’s Research Committee. The eight states that did not respond were California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Oregon.

NASTD released survey results Tuesday ahead of the group’s Annual Conference and Technology Showcase, Sunday through Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minn.

Among the survey’s key findings, cybersecurity is the primary internal state function in which respondents said they are using AI; and it tops the list of use cases for how states either are using AI or foresee using it in the future.

Knowing what's in play was another area of examination. According to the survey, more than half of respondents — 67 percent — have completed an inventory of their AI applications currently in use, while…