Trump administration backs new AI tool for GSA

The General Services Administration (GSA) is introducing a new artificial intelligence tool aimed at helping government employees in their everyday tasks. The tool was developed over the past 18 months and focuses on ensuring security and privacy. The GSA started this project under the Biden administration due to concerns about the risks associated with commercial AI tools. An official from GSA noted that creating the tool internally was important to meet government security standards. GSA is currently assessing how the AI tool can be integrated into the daily work of federal employees. Staff members are encouraged to use the tool, but its use is not mandatory. Stephen Ehikian, GSA's Acting Administrator, expressed optimism about the tool's potential, comparing its introduction to giving every worker a personal computer. The Trump administration has shown support for this AI initiative. The GSA believes that feedback from its limited rollout will help improve the tool and facilitate its use in other government agencies. Elon Musk, a key adviser to President Trump, plans to enhance government efficiency by using AI. However, he recently dismissed claims that an AI tool was used to assess employee responses to emails, stating it was just a basic check of their engagement.