Guidelines for Generative AI in the Public Sector

Generative AI presents significant opportunities for public administration but requires responsible and mindful implementation. The Agency for Digital Government (Digg) and the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) have developed guidelines to support authorities, regions, and municipalities in implementing generative AI. These guidelines aim to ensure safe use of the technology, compliance with legal frameworks, and efficient solutions that meet organizational needs. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for managing risks related to information security, data protection, ethics, and workflows. For public sector organizations, balancing innovation with responsibility is increasingly critical, especially when generative AI is used to support decision-making, automate processes, or create new content.

Getting started – Begin with needs and planning

Before adopting generative AI, it is crucial to identify your organization’s specific needs. What problems should the technology address, and what value can it provide? For organizations new to AI, exploring pre-built tools, such as GPT-based solutions like ChatGPT or Copilot, is a great starting point. These tools can enhance skills and offer practical experience with the technology.

How your organization can prepare

Implementing generative AI requires careful planning and awareness of guidelines and regulations. Here are the key steps for a responsible implementation:

Analyze organizational needs

Evaluate how generative AI can streamline processes and help achieve organizational goals.
Identify specific problems the technology should address and the potential benefits for employees and external services.

Establish an AI policy

Develop a policy that clearly outlines the purpose of AI usage.
Include ethical and legal principles, such as how to manage data protection and information security.
Integrate the policy within the organization to serve as a guide for responsible use.

Manage risks

Identify and map risks related to data protection, information security, and ethics.
Develop routines and processes to minimize risks and ensure safe technology usage.
Conduct risk assessments according to public sector guidelines.

Ensure regulatory compliance

Verify that AI usage aligns with GDPR, procurement rules, and other legal requirements.
Review contracts and agreements with providers to ensure they meet your organization’s standards for data storage, security, and confidentiality.

Educate employees

Provide training on how generative AI works and how to use it securely and responsibly.
Training should also cover organizational policies, guidelines, and any restrictions related to AI usage.

What happens to the data?

A common and critical question is: where does the information used in AI systems go? For the public sector, which often handles sensitive and confidential data, this is a crucial consideration.

It is possible to run AI models in closed and secure systems, a solution particularly suited for authorities and municipalities. By using non-open solutions, organizations can:

Maintain full control over their data.
Ensure sensitive information is not shared or stored by external actors.

This is especially relevant for managing sensitive information in areas such as welfare, health, and security. With the right strategy and technology choices, the public sector can leverage generative AI while prioritizing data protection and information security.

What’s next?

To succeed with generative AI implementation, it’s essential to start early. Reflect on these key questions:

Do you have a clear strategy for how generative AI will be used in your organization?
What legal or ethical risks need to be addressed?
Do you have the resources and expertise required to adopt the technology?

If you have questions or need support in implementing generative AI according to the guidelines, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll help you navigate the process with confidence!

The future of generative AI in the public sector

Generative AI is evolving rapidly and has great potential to improve the public sector. The technology can reduce administrative burdens, enhance efficiency, and improve citizen services with more personalized solutions.

With the help of national guidelines, the public sector can navigate this development safely and responsibly. By starting with identifying needs, following legal and ethical guidelines, and gradually building competence, generative AI can become a vital part of tomorrow’s digital public administration.

Get started with generative AI

Do you have questions about the guidelines, implementation, or technical solutions? Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you with answers and guidance.