Montgomery County is taking a bold step into the future by forming an advisory council dedicated to artificial intelligence. This initiative is designed to ensure that AI technologies are not just adopted, but are harnessed thoughtfully and ethically for the benefit of the entire community.
The council, which is currently seeking applicants, will bring together up to 15 members from a wide range of backgrounds. The goal? To provide expert guidance on how AI can be used responsibly across county operations, from infrastructure and human services to election administration and the criminal justice system.
Neil Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes that AI is already a part of daily life in the county. For example, law enforcement uses AI-powered facial recognition to help solve crimes. But as AI becomes more integrated into public services, the need for oversight and ethical guidance grows.
The council’s formation comes at a time when public interest in AI is surging. Many residents are exploring AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok, discovering both their convenience and their complexities. While some, like Andrew Abramson, are new to AI and pleasantly surprised by its usefulness, others voice concerns about the technology’s potential downsides. Issues like deepfake videos, misinformation, and the challenge of teaching younger generations to fact-check digital content are top of mind for many families.
Experts agree that while the dramatic, science-fiction scenarios often associated with AI are still far off, there are immediate, real-world risks to address. Professor Anat Lior of Drexel University points to concerns such as privacy violations, emotional harm—especially among vulnerable populations—and algorithmic bias. These issues highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in how AI systems are designed and deployed.
The advisory council aims to tackle these challenges head-on by drawing on the expertise of professionals from diverse fields. Whether you have a background in technology, law, public administration, or community advocacy, your perspective could help shape how Montgomery County navigates the evolving AI landscape.
For those interested in making a difference, applications are open until May 31. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the responsible use of technology in local government and ensure that AI serves the public good.
Key Takeaways:
- Montgomery County is forming an AI advisory council to guide ethical and responsible AI use.
- The council seeks diverse expertise to address opportunities and risks, including privacy and bias.
- AI is already used in county operations, highlighting the need for oversight.
- Residents are encouraged to apply and help shape the future of technology in their community.
- Applications are open until May 31 at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/AICouncil.