In a significant move to guide the use of artificial intelligence within city operations, the Indianapolis City Council has introduced Resolution 25-24, which establishes a comprehensive policy for the use of generative AI across city and county agencies. This resolution aims to provide clear guidelines for employees, contractors, and other individuals who have access to generative AI solutions, whether through city-owned devices or personal ones.

The policy emphasizes the importance of responsible usage, outlining what is approved, recommended, and prohibited when it comes to generative AI tools. Notably, the resolution endorses the use of Copilot M365 and Copilot Chat as the only officially sanctioned generative AI tools for city operations. This decision comes as the city begins to implement these technologies, ensuring that staff have a clear framework for their use.

Recognizing the prevalence of widely available generative AI tools like ChatGPT and others, the policy does not outright ban their use. Instead, it encourages staff to input only public data into these tools, highlighting the risks associated with public records and data privacy. The resolution also stresses the importance of understanding the terms of service and ownership of data when using these external tools.

Additionally, the policy addresses the need for legal oversight in contracts involving generative AI, ensuring that data storage and interaction with learning models are thoroughly reviewed. It also includes provisions to prohibit the use of AI developed by or controlled by foreign adversaries, with plans to regularly update this list to keep staff informed.

The introduction of this policy marks a proactive step by the City Council to harness the benefits of generative AI while safeguarding public interests and data integrity. As the city moves forward with these technologies, the guidelines set forth in Resolution 25-24 will play a crucial role in shaping how generative AI is integrated into city operations, ultimately impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to residents.