The Mississippi Department of Internet Technology Services is set to conduct an assessment of how various state agencies are utilizing or planning to implement artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative follows an executive order issued by Governor Tate Reeves on Wednesday, aiming to establish policy guidelines for AI use in both public and private sectors.
The executive order, numbered 1584, stipulates that recommendations for AI policy should adhere to principles of fairness, innovation, security, safety, transparency, accountability, accessibility, validity, reliability, and privacy protection. Governor Reeves emphasized the inevitability of AI’s presence in the future, noting the dual aspects of benefits and risks associated with this technology. “AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in preparing for the technology’s broader acceptance. The order is designed to unite stakeholders and enhance the protection of Mississippians’ privacy, security, and rights while simultaneously modernizing government services for improved efficiency.
The directive mandates that state agencies collaborate with the Department of Internet Technology Services during the evaluation of AI practices. Each agency is required to appoint a staff member to oversee and coordinate these AI efforts.
Craig Orgeron, the Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer for the Department of Internet Technology Services, stated that promoting collaboration among state agencies, industry specialists, and stakeholders is critical for the ethical and secure implementation of AI. “This approach aims to foster trust while delivering significant improvements for all Mississippians,” he expressed during a press conference held at the Walter Sillers Building in Jackson.
The executive order encompasses definitions of artificial intelligence and generative AI, collectively referred to as AI. It describes AI as a “machine-based system” capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions based on human-defined objectives that influence real or virtual environments. The order further defines how AI systems utilize both machine and human inputs to interpret real and virtual environments, analyze these perceptions to develop models, and infer options for decisions or actions.
As interest in AI grows, Governor Reeves is keen to address its use in the state, marking this executive order as Mississippi’s first formal response to the technology’s rise. Senator Bart Williams, Chairman of the Mississippi Senate Technology Committee, remarked on the order’s potential to position the state as a pioneer in AI innovation. He affirmed that the adoption of AI could attract businesses, enhance state services, and prepare the workforce for future opportunities. “AI is a tool for today’s challenges, and Mississippi is ready to lead in this technological era, benefiting our communities and economy,” he added.
This executive action comes nearly a year after a legislative proposal aimed at forming an education task force focused on exploring government use of AI and establishing policy framework was unsuccessful. Additionally, last year’s Mississippi Legislature attempted to pass two bills to regulate the use of AI in political campaign advertisements, but those efforts also did not succeed. However, a law signed by the governor in 2024 now prohibits the misuse of AI to create misleading deepfakes, which involve manipulating images or videos to misrepresent individuals in ways they did not actually engage.
