AI, Government and the Future

Welcome to our weekly dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the U.S. Government!

AI is progressing at an incredible pace, and we're just scratching the surface. With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to keep up.

We're here to provide you with insightful analysis and a concise summary, delivered to you on a regular basis. Stay informed, stay up-to-date, and join us on this thrilling journey into the future of AI.

Episode 44 Recap: Eric Wengrowski on Role of AI in Digital Watermarking and Authentication

Eric Wengrowski, co-founder and CEO of Steg AI joins this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, to discuss the critical role of AI in digital watermarking and authentication. He shares insights on how Steg AI's technology helps combat deepfakes, protect against data leaks, and ensure the integrity of government communications in an era of rapidly advancing AI capabilities.

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Spotlight

Oregon AI Advisory Council Releases State AI Strategy

Oregon's AI Advisory Council has released a comprehensive action plan with 74 recommendations for state government AI use. Led by Chief Information Officer (CIO) Terrence Woods, the plan focuses on five key areas: AI governance, privacy, security, technical architecture, and workforce development. It draws from international standards including the White House AI Bill of Rights and EU guidelines. Notable milestones include appointing AI leadership within six months and developing public metrics within 18 months, with a progress report expected for the 2027-29 budget cycle.

Read More - govtech

The Number 

$2.05 Billion 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has requested $2.05 billion for FY25, the largest increase (+$285 million) among federal IT and AI research agencies. The budget prioritizes AI research with a $94 million boost, bringing total funding to $494 million, alongside modest increases in advanced communications and data management programs. NSF joins other major tech-focused agencies, including National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and Department of Energy  (DOE) in driving federal AI development and research initiatives.

In-Depth 

States Move to Ban DeepSeek AI on Government Devices

Three states have banned DeepSeek and other China-affiliated AI apps from government devices, citing national security concerns. Texas initiated the ban on January 31, followed by New York and Virginia in February. The bans target apps like DeepSeek, RedNote, and several financial trading platforms with ties to Chinese ownership such as Webull, Tiger Brokers and Moomoo. However, security experts warn that these targeted bans may be insufficient. Jim Coyle, an expert in public sector technology, points out that millions of apps communicate with Chinese servers, arguing for a broader approach to data sovereignty instead of focusing on specific applications. He calls for comprehensive policies preventing U.S. government data from leaving national boundaries. The bans align with existing state policies on AI usage in government, though questions remain about their effectiveness in protecting sensitive data.

Read More - govtech

OpenGov Acquires Ignatius to Enhance Government Workflow Automation

OpenGov has acquired Ignatius, its 10th acquisition, to strengthen its AI-powered government services platform. Ignatius, founded in 2021, provides low-code automation solutions for government forms and workflows, particularly in grants and disaster recovery areas. The acquisition aligns with OpenGov's AI strategy and enhances agencies’ ability to create custom applications using natural language prompts. Chief Strategy Officer, Ammiel Kamon highlights that this technology will streamline complex multiparty workflows, potentially decreasing reliance on external consultants. 

Read More - govtech