Bill would create gov’t artificial intelligence officer post

By THE STAR STAFF

The Committee on Science, Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the upper chamber, chaired by Sen. Wilmer Reyes Berríos, received recommendations for a measure that, among other things, creates the position of “Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Government of Puerto Rico,” and establishes a public policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector.

During the public hearing, the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS) and the General Services Administration (GSA) presented their perspectives on the implementation of AI in government operations.

In their respective analyses of Senate Bill 68 and Senate Resolution 24, measures authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Shatz, representatives from both agencies highlighted the importance of efficiently regulating and implementing AI in the island government.

They supported the creation of the Artificial Intelligence Officer (AIO) position as a key figure to coordinate and oversee the use of AI in public administration, but PRITS Director Antonio Ramos Guardiola expressed reservations about the creation of an “AI Advisory Council.”

In his presentation, Ramos Guardiola, who is the central government’s chief innovation and information officer, strongly supported the creation of the AIO, arguing that the position would allow for more efficient management of AI within the government. He highlighted key benefits such as the centralization of efforts and alignment with public policies, the optimization of resources and reduction of redundancies, effective collaboration with academia and the private sector to drive innovation, and greater efficiency and security in government systems, ensuring the responsible and transparent use of AI.