California’s ‘digital democracy’ initiative invites residents to help shape AI policy

California officials have launched an initiative called Engaged California to involve residents in shaping policies related to artificial intelligence (AI), believing it to be the first state-level effort of its kind.
The initiative aims to gather feedback from residents on how AI impacts their work and the economy to inform state decision-making and policy development.
An online tool has been created where participants share information on their industry, potential AI impacts on their workplace, and recommendations for state lawmakers.
Demographic data including age, gender, and race and ethnicity will also be collected through the tool.
Residents will be invited to participate in live virtual sessions to further discuss AI’s impressions and provide policy recommendations for more inclusive and equitable AI legislation.
High support for protecting workers from the potential harms of AI has been found in a recent survey from the AFL-CIO.
The aim of this digital democracy effort is to rebuild trust with constituents by showing that their opinions and feedback are being actively heard and utilized.

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