State data ‘not in the best shape’ for AI, says CIO

Data quality, security and privacy are key challenges for states as they seek to adopt new generative artificial intelligence tools, Georgia Chief Information Officer Shawnzia Thomas tells StateScoop in an interview. Thomas says that her state’s AI work, which has included events that attract officials from around the state and beyond, and a new AI lab for testing new software, involves some digital housekeeping. “One thing all states can tell you is that our data is probably not in the best shape,” Thomas says. “Right now, we’re trying to make sure we get all our agencies to delete all the data that you don’t need.”

This video was recorded on Oct. 1, 2024, at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers annual conference in New Orleans.