Mitigating the Risks of Generative AI in Government Through Algorithmic Governance

The chapter examines how the rapid spread of generative AI, popularized by applications like ChatGPT, affects government and public-sector use of AI. The authors argue that governments can model responsible AI use by adopting principles of algorithmic governance, which they define as governing algorithms rather than being governed by them. They review key risks of generative AI in public institutions, outline core algorithmic governance principles, propose a step-by-step implementation approach for public-sector projects, and discuss opportunities for collaboration between public and private actors.