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PolicyCast

AI can make governing better instead of worse. Yes, you heard that right.

Mar 12, 2025
Danielle Allen, a Harvard political philosophy professor and AI ethics advocate, teams up with Mark Fagan, a public policy lecturer focused on regulatory impacts. Together, they tackle the often negative perceptions of AI in government. They discuss how, with thoughtful deployment, AI can enhance governance, improve accessibility, and foster smarter decision-making. They argue for a partnership model where AI complements human judgment, while also addressing concerns about corporate power and the need for ethical AI that prioritizes societal well-being.
41:36

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Quick takeaways

  • AI, when thoughtfully deployed and regulated, has the potential to significantly enhance government transparency, responsiveness, and decision-making efficiency.
  • Establishing regulatory sandboxes enables governments to experiment with AI applications, fostering responsible innovation while minimizing risks to public services.

Deep dives

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Government

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential to enhance government transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. The concept of establishing a 'GOAT' office to utilize AI effectively in governance underscores the need for innovative approaches that utilize technology to better serve constituents. When applied thoughtfully, AI can help reduce inefficiencies in government operations, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis. This shift from viewing AI as a replacement for human judgment to seeing it as a partnership can foster collaboration between technology and governance.

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