Rhode Island's Bold Move: AI for Everyone

Rhode Island is making big plans for AI. They want it to be useful for everyone, not just big tech companies. Schools, hospitals, banks, defense, small businesses, and even the state government could all get a boost from AI. The plan focuses on four main areas: teaching people how to use AI, having the government lead the way, setting rules for AI use, and creating a central hub for AI in the state. But AI is a big deal. Some experts, like Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, warn that AI could change everything. He says we don't know if we're ready for the power AI brings. Rhode Island's plan is more optimistic. It says act now or get left behind. The report argues that states that move quickly on AI will shape the future. Those that don't might miss out.The plan is still a draft. There are big questions about what to do first and how to get everyone on board. The task force says everything is important, but they don't say what to prioritize. They also assume that people will embrace AI, but that might not be the case. Some people might see AI as a threat, not an opportunity. Still, Rhode Island is ahead of many states just by having a plan. The hard part is making it happen. They need to find money, figure out the order of things, and convince people to support it. It's a big task, but they're starting early.