PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of publicly accessible generative AI (GenAI) tools has enabled the

unprecedented spread of false information in textual, audio, and visual forms. As AI-generated media becomes increasingly difficult to discern from legitimate communications, governments are concerned that GenAI tools can be used to manipulate public sentiment. The City of San Jose, California is known for founding the GovAI Coalition, with over 300 agencies as members to promote standard setting for responsible AI use in government. The City's leadership in this issue area can foster local-level collaboration to safeguard public communications and become a model for other local governments to look toward.

AIMS

Government regulations have not kept up with the advancement of free-to-use Generative AI tools within the last two years. With comprehensive federal laws still in the works, the responsibility of governance shifts to state and local governments. The San Jose team acknowledges these different strengths by recommending both proactive and reactive strategies for safeguarding against Generative AI manipulations of official City communications. 

METHODOLOGY

The team first conducted a literature review of academic findings, government responses, and local case studies to develop a preliminary understanding of prevailing methods in existing GenAI and digital misinformation responses. Within the literature review, the team concluded three key response categories: policy approaches addressing mis/disinformation, technical tools for AI detection and response, and public education and media literacy initiatives to encourage community involvement. 

DELIVERABLES

Project deliverables include (1) a literature review to establish a common understanding of current government and legislative efforts in AI misinformation and literacy, (2) an AI policy manual containing guidelines for mitigating AI-powered misinformation, and (3) a presentation brief on current legislation and framework implementation strategies for City staff.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

This project represents a pivotal step in safeguarding the integrity of government

communications against the growing threats of AI and deepfake technologies. The project's deliverables will become essential tools for training public information officers and educating the public. The deliverables not only provide communications recommendations resilient to continuous AI developments, they also set precedence for other municipalities by emphasizing the necessity and tangible strategies for local-level response.