Partnering for Ethical AI: Supporting Washington's Gen AI Accountability Framework

The rise of generative AI (Gen AI) is reshaping industries, offering remarkable opportunities but also raising pressing questions about ethics, equity, and transparency. In response, Washington state issued Executive Order 24-01, mandating the creation of guidelines to ensure the responsible and equitable use of AI technologies. Taliferro was proud to work alongside the Office of Equity to support this important initiative.

This article highlights our role in advancing ethical AI in Washington, including contributions to the Generative AI Accountability Framework and a Community Engagement Plan designed to center fairness and transparency in AI governance.

Addressing the Challenges of Gen AI

Executive Order 24-01 established a clear vision for responsible AI use by emphasizing:

• Ethical Principles: Building systems that prioritize fairness and reduce harm.
• Community Involvement: Ensuring impacted groups have a voice in policy creation.
• Transparency and Accountability: Promoting trust through oversight and openness.

Taliferro collaborated with state agencies to align on these priorities, bringing technical expertise and a commitment to equity-driven solutions.

Framework Development: Key Focus Areas

At the heart of this initiative lies the Generative AI Accountability Framework, which provides ethical and operational guidance for the state's use of AI. Some key components include:

• Fairness and Inclusion: Ensuring AI serves all Washington residents, including marginalized communities.
• Oversight Mechanisms: Establishing governance structures for monitoring AI implementations.
• Community-Driven Policies: Engaging diverse populations to inform the framework's development.

By embedding these principles, the framework sets the stage for equitable AI governance and accountability.

Empowering Community Engagement

The Community Engagement Plan reflects the state's commitment to listening and responding to its residents. Through methods like public forums, surveys, and focus groups, the plan ensures that policies reflect the lived experiences of Washington's diverse populations.

Special emphasis was placed on engaging Tribal governments, incorporating their perspectives into discussions about AI's impact on education, resource management, and more.

Collaborative Efforts and Lessons Learned

This initiative brought together multiple agencies and stakeholders to create a unified vision for AI in Washington. Each partner contributed unique expertise, from technology implementation to workforce readiness.

Lessons learned from the process include the importance of collaboration, flexibility in responding to evolving needs, and maintaining transparency to foster trust.

Looking Ahead

The Generative AI Accountability Framework and Community Engagement Plan mark important milestones in the journey toward ethical AI governance. Next steps include:

• Expanding engagement efforts to reach more communities.
• Supporting state agencies in operationalizing the framework.
• Developing training programs to ensure ethical AI practices.

These efforts position Washington as a leader in equitable AI use, setting an example for others to follow.

Conclusion

Taliferro's partnership with the Office of Equity represents a shared commitment to advancing algorithmic justice and digital equity. By contributing to Washington's AI framework, we've helped lay the foundation for a future where technology serves everyone fairly and transparently.

We look forward to continuing this work, helping organizations navigate the complex intersection of technology and ethics while keeping fairness at the forefront.