Generative AI is emerging as a powerful tool for governments, capable of drafting policy memos, summarizing public feedback, and generating new ideas. For busy officials, this technology can save time and uncover insights that would otherwise be buried in piles of documents.

But the risks are significant. Generative AI can “hallucinate” facts, misrepresent complex issues, or reinforce bias in subtle ways. Without proper oversight, policies influenced by these tools could be flawed or misleading. This tension is at the heart of debates about how much governments should rely on generative AI.

The path forward lies in cautious adoption. Generative AI should be used as an assistant, not an authority. With the right checks in place, it can help public leaders be more responsive and efficient, while ensuring that final decisions remain firmly in human hands.