State making questionable use of AI software for FOIA responses
State making questionable use of AI software for FOIA responses
Publish Date: 2026-03-21 06:19:00
Source Domain: www.freep.com
- Michigan is employing contracted AI software to answer some Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in a manner that raises compliance concerns with state laws.
- The Detroit Free Press requested emails and records from a new state office lease in Detroit under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act in December.
- The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget estimated a $1,620 cost to provide the records, part of which included $739.50 for AI tool usage.
- The response included time spent by state employees at $46.36 per hour, amounting to 19 hours in total.
- The use of AI for FOIA responses appears contentious due to potential non-compliance with state law, raising questions about transparency and regulation.
