California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday launched the first statewide rollout of Engaged California, a public participation platform designed to gather resident feedback on how artificial intelligence is affecting workers, government services and the broader economy across the state.
The platform allows Californians to weigh in directly on issues ranging from workplace automation to the responsible use of generative AI in government. The feedback will help guide decisions by state officials, according to the website. In a statement announcing the launch, Newsom said the government wants residents to have a “seat at the table” as the state develops its AI policy frameworks.
“We’ve got to be clear-eyed about this moment: AI is moving fast, bringing enormous opportunity, but also real risks. Engaged California is making sure people aren’t just spectators, but participants in decision-making and state policy,” Newsom said in the press release.
The engagement platform’s first phase is focused on public feedback. Users can create a profile and answer questions about their experiences with AI in the workplace, as well as their thoughts on its impact on the economy and any ideas they have for government action.
In the second phase, which is expected to begin this summer, a group of Californians will be selected to participate in live forums, to dive more deeply into potential policy recommendations.
The rollout follows Newsom’s March executive order tightening procurement requirements for AI vendors seeking state contracts. It requires companies to demonstrate safeguards against bias, civil rights violations and harmful content generation.
Written by Sophia Fox-Sowell
Sophia Fox-Sowell reports on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and government regulation for StateScoop. She was previously a multimedia producer for CNET, where her coverage focused on private sector innovation in food production, climate change and space through podcasts and video content. She earned her bachelor’s in anthropology at Wagner College and master’s in media innovation from Northeastern University.