Implications for Vermont’s public agencies and private businesses

by Jennifer Dawson

As offices across the US are embracing the use of AI to carry out a range of functions, the local government in South Burlington is exploring the possibility of using the tool to complete repetitive and mundane municipal tasks. This would boost efficiency which, together with a reduction in costs and reinforced security, is one of the most common advantages of the use of AI in the office. 

With the growing use of AI, there are some concerns with the potential threat to cybersecurity and lack of accountability. 

However, while America is now poised to lead the world on AI development, the State of Vermont was ahead of the game in appointing an AI Director and AI Council council over three years ago when legislators were keen to learn more about the positive aspects of AI and how it could be used for good in local agencies and businesses. 

Regulating AI to protect wgainst graudsters

While it is beneficial when used for good, AI technology can also make it easier for criminals to engage in fraudulent behaviour and perpetrate scams. Businesses can protect themselves by deploying tools to detect AI-generated content and block phishing attempts while robust processes for soliciting business proposals can help to identify fake startups and fraudulent vendors. 

Vermont legislators are also looking at regulating other misleading behavior including the use of deep fakes in elections. When asked to guess whether pictures of faces were real or created by AI, senators at a recent Senate Government Operations committee only correctly identified one out of five. Deep fakes are a type of synthetic media that digitally alters videos in order to spread malicious information, and the committee’s test results show how manipulating appearances could be a potential threat to fair ballots. 

In response, a bill has recently been passed that would require candidates to disclose use of synthetic media and fine anyone who failed to do so.

Enhancing the efficiency of state agencies

According to the trend analysis tool, Exploding Topics, over three quarters of companies are using or exploring the use of AI, highlighting the technology’s significant impact on the day to day management of both private offices and government departments. 

In last year’s annual report from Vermont’s Agency of Digital Services, the AI inventory identified the application of 16 different AI tools used across a number of different state agencies. Unsurprisingly, the Agency of Digital Services was the heaviest user of AI, mainly to reinforce cybersecurity measures and threat detection.  

As well as improving security, the other most common benefits of using AI were improved efficiency and lower costs seen in a range of applications from the classification of roadway pavement quality to the processing of tax information to reduce instances of fraud. 

Empowering businesses with customized marketing solutions

For Vermont businesses, effective marketing is essential because it enables them to promote their unique products, engage effectively with both local consumers and visiting tourists and succeed in a competitive market. To enhance their strategies further, local businesses can now access an innovative AI-powered system designed to provide customized marketing solutions that can increase efficiency and effectiveness.  

Matching job seekers with employers

As well as enhancing efficiency within the workplace, anyone looking for office work can now turn to AI solutions to help with their application process whether they need assistance in  creating an impressive cover letter or preparing for an interview.  A new AI tool is available to job seekers in Vermont to help them match with suitable employment opportunities. 

In a competitive job market, the Vermont Employment Pathfinder is a free and accessible app that uses AI to question job seekers about their education, experience and hobbies. With this information, it creates a resume based on their profile and either recommends relevant careers that correspond to their abilities or suggests training and local education courses that could help to fill gaps in their skillset.  

While legislators in Vermont were quick to recognize the concerns surrounding the impact of AI on local government agencies, organizations and businesses, they were also keen to learn how it could be used for good instead. With robust regulations and protection against potential fraud, AI is now enhancing the efficiency of everyday office tasks, customizing effective marketing solutions and even helping to match job seekers with suitable employers.