Norfolk County is taking steps to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in local government, with council directing staff to begin drafting a policy that will guide how the fast-changing technology is used across county operations.
The move comes as municipalities across Ontario grapple with how to embrace innovation while protecting public trust, ensuring accuracy, and safeguarding sensitive information.
Officials say the new policy will provide a framework for responsible use, with clear guidelines on when and how AI can be implemented.
While the technology offers potential benefits such as streamlining services and improving efficiency, staff cautioned that risks like bias, misinformation, and data security breaches must be carefully managed.
By establishing rules now, Norfolk aims to strike a balance between innovation and accountability before widespread adoption takes hold.
Once completed, the draft policy will return to council later this year for review and approval.
The framework is expected to shape how Norfolk County employees integrate AI tools into daily work, while ensuring the community has confidence in how the technology is applied.