Mississippi Leads in AI Governance

On Wednesday, January 7, 2025, Mississippi’s Governor Tate Reeves signed an executive order aimed at enhancing the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within state agencies. This initiative marks Mississippi as one of the latest states to recognize the growing presence and influence of AI in governmental operations.

The new executive order highlights that AI is already in use across state agencies and seeks to build a responsible framework for its utilization while maximizing its potential benefits. According to the order, ‘the state aspires to fully harness AI to modernize the delivery of service to its citizens in a more efficient and effective manner, while at the same time protecting and respecting the privacy, security, and confidentiality rights of all Mississippians.’

Governor Reeves stated in a press release, ‘AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. There are a lot of benefits and risks associated with this technology, and that’s why Mississippi needs to continue preparing for its eventual widespread adoption.’ He emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ privacy and security while promoting innovation in state governance.

The order directs the state’s Department of Information Technology Services to conduct an inventory of existing AI projects within the government and evaluate the policies related to AI usage. Craig Orgeron, the state’s Chief Information Officer, stated, ‘By fostering collaboration among state agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders, we are ensuring that AI is implemented ethically, securely, and in a way that builds trust while delivering meaningful improvements for all Mississippians.’

This executive action follows recent attempts by state lawmakers to introduce legislation for AI governance, which have not progressed. The need for a coherent strategy to manage AI applications in government is increasingly pressing, with many states across the U.S. discussing similar initiatives.

As states continue to navigate the complexities of AI technology, Mississippi’s proactive approach may set a precedent for responsible AI governance in the public sector, ultimately benefitting its citizens all around.

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