Hastings County is moving forward with a new policy on the use of AI.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Hastings County Finance, Property, and Personnel Committee, the committee discussed a proposed policy to manage the use of AI by county staff.
The new policy being considered would establish guidelines on how AI is used by Hastings County staff, what tools are permitted, and require that AI use be properly declared. Microsoft Copilot is already approved for use under the new policy, with the possibility to evaluate other AI tools for security before approving them for use.
In addition, it was stipulated in the policy that any AI tool considered for adoption must protect any data being given to it while also being able to comply with any relevant access to information laws such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any work presented by AI is also required to be checked by a human, to ensure accuracy.
The committee approved the policy, and forwarded it to Hastings County Council with a recommendation to adopt it.
