Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced last week that she is establishing a 21-member Artificial Intelligence task force, meant to compile an advisory report on the potential dangers and benefits of advanced AI.

“Emerging AI technologies offer the potential to improve lives, drive economic growth, and help solve complex challenges. But like all new technologies, AI, if not embraced in a prudent and responsible manner, can cause potentially harmful changes to the lives and livelihoods of Maine people,” said Gov. Mills.

Mills instructed the task force to produce a report and offer recommendations on AI-related policy by Oct. 31.

The task force will provide its opinion on the potential impact on Maine’s economy and workers from the increasing implementation of AI.

The report will also provide information on the potential dangers of AI, such as risks to privacy and programs working from biased datasets, and will explore ways for the state to mandate disclosure surrounding AI use.

Finally, the new task force will provide recommendations on how AI can best be used to the advantage of state and municipal governments and agencies.

The task force will consist of 21 members, including legislators, business representatives, various government administrative workers, healthcare representatives, and educators from the University of Maine and Maine’s community colleges.

Task force members will not be paid for their roles in the advisory body, and Mills did not estimate how much the task force’s activities will cost taxpayers.