New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is enabling state agencies to adopt AI tools but with certain boundaries. The plan, updated and set to take effect on 8 January 2024, was summarised in the Governor's State of the State address on 9 January 2024.

The governor's approach to AI is part of a comprehensive legislative agenda that she will include in a draft budget to be presented later this month. Governor Hochul's policy encourages New York state agencies to use AI systems to further their mission and meet critical business needs. However, there are restrictions in place to ensure the responsible use of AI. For instance, state agencies are required to assign supervisors to oversee AI systems. These AI tools are not allowed to make any decisions affecting the public without final human oversight.

Why does it matter?

Governor Hochul's approach to AI is in line with federal guidelines unveiled by President Joe Biden's executive order late in October last year. Hochul is joining other elected leaders, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), in taking executive action to curb a fast-evolving technology that many worry could result in increased digital surveillance and misinformation, as well as substantial job losses.
The NY governor believes that AI has the potential to transform the way we live, work, and do business as a state, as long as it is used responsibly.

The new policy does not cover the private sector. It applies to state agencies, but major bodies like the Metropolitan Transit Authority, which runs the NYC subways, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority are excluded from these limitations. They are, however, "strongly encouraged" to adopt the policy or use it as guidance.