020533555604327594086Artificial Intelligence (AI) services have become an integral part of our daily Internet activities. Recently, a new type –generative AI—has given users an opportunity to interact directly with this technology to create art, text, and audio/video content while raising concerns about privacy and data misuse. Cybersecurity Awareness MonthKnow the Risks of Generative AI ToolsCybersecurityArtificial Intelligenceeng641226754A person working at a laptop. An illustration indicates he is chatting with an AI bot./mnit/assets/copilot-chat-1200x630-social-blog%201_tcm38-677677.jpgShield with a checkmark./mnit/assets/4-basics-blog-thumb_tcm38-542242.png<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:38-594075" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2026-01-22T20:00:00ZWhile Artificial Intelligence (AI) services are part of our daily online lives, we should approach a new type – generative AI – with curiosity and caution to help protect our data and privacy.Be careful what you share, check how AI service providers handle your data38<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><em>By Blake Russell, Information Security Analyst, MNIT</em></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Artificial Intelligence (AI) services continue to be an integral part of our daily internet use. They work behind the scenes to personalize recommendations on e-commerce platforms, streaming services, and social media.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Generative AI allows users to interact directly with this technology to create art, text, and audio/video content. Examples of generative AI include Bard, ChatGPT, Craiyon, and OpenArt.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The growing popularity of generative AI has raised concerns about privacy and data misuse. Since it works by searching for, collecting, and analyzing data found on the Internet, some personally identifiable information is likely becoming part of its growing data library. Users should be mindful of what kind of information they provide these services.</p> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">What to consider</h3> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">AI-generated content comes from content created by humans; therefore:</div> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Content it provides you may be plagiarized or it might violates copyrights. </li> <li>It could provide information that is inaccurate, biased, or offensive.</li> <li>Bad actors may use sensitive data with generative AI to impersonate or defraud others.</li> <li>If you use generative AI for work, know your organization’s standards and policies.</li> </ul> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Be cautious with your data</h3> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Consider what type of data you provide or enter into the service. Generative AI works can take any personally identifiable information you enter, and share it as a result or output. Avoid sharing sensitive information with these services.</li> <li>Do not share sensitive or personal information with these services that you don't want to make public.</li> <li>Understand what AI service providers are doing to protect your data and whether you can opt out of or limit the use of your data.</li> <li>The service should only keep your personal information for as long as there is a legitimate business use. In certain cases, legal requirements may determine how long service providers can hold your data.</li> </ul> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">What you can do <br /></h3> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">You should read and understand the AI service provider’s data privacy policies, terms, and conditions of use. If their data handling procedures are unclear, consider an alternative provider. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Remain vigilant and be proactive when it comes to safeguarding your personal information.</p>5940752590422324912026-04-01T19:55:41Z181691News640News6050033555604327232500Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) has been named an inaugural AI 50 winner for its innovative and ethical use of AI to enhance public services in Minnesota. Read more about MNIT's groundbreaking initiatives and their impact on the community.AwardsSpecial AchievementAI 50Artificial intelligenceEthical AIeng232516594086432439The background is a government building surrounded by points of light, indicating AI in the public sector. The text reads, "2025 Center for AI public sector 50, Organizational Honoree."/mnit/assets/AI-50_Social-Images-GENERIC_1200x630_tcm38-701257.jpgThe background is a government building surrounded by points of light, indicating AI in the public sector. The text reads, "2025 Center for AI public sector 50, Organizational Honoree."/mnit/assets/AI-50_Social-Images-INDIVIDUAL_300x300_tcm38-701316.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:38-701212" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-08-08T12:34:15ZMinnesota IT Services (MNIT) has been named an inaugural AI 50 winner for its innovative and ethical use of AI to enhance public services in Minnesota. Read more about MNIT's groundbreaking initiatives and their impact on the community.38<h2 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota IT Services named inaugural AI 50 winner</h2> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>SAINT PAUL, MN (August 7, 2025)</strong> -Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) has been named an inaugural AI 50 winner by the <a title="https://www.govtech.com/cpsai/ai50" href="https://www.govtech.com/cpsai/ai50" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Center for Public Sector AI</a>, a national honor recognizing government leaders and organizations that use artificial intelligence to improve public services. </p> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p>The award celebrates MNIT’s commitment to using AI responsibly and transparently to solve real-world challenges—enhancing accessibility, increasing efficiency, and delivering smarter digital services for Minnesotans. From developing ethical AI guidance through the <a title="https://mn.gov/mnit/taiga/" href="https://mn.gov/mnit/taiga/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TAIGA initiative</a> to deploying AI tools that support better outcomes in health, safety, and service delivery, MNIT stands at the forefront of innovation in government. </p> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p>“We’re honored to be recognized as a national leader in the responsible use of AI,” said Jon Eichten, MNIT Assistant Commissioner. “Our work is guided by the belief that technology should reflect our public values and improve how we serve Minnesotans.” </p> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p>MNIT joins a select group of public agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions nationwide that demonstrate leadership in the ethical use of AI. <a title="https://www.govtech.com/cpsai/ai50?" href="https://www.govtech.com/cpsai/ai50?" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View the full list of winners</a>. </p> <h2>About Minnesota IT Services</h2> <p>Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,800 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans. </p> <p><a href="https://mn.gov/mnit/media/blog/" target="_blank">Previous announcements</a></p> </div>7012122326312325162026-02-27T18:52:14Z181691News640News6050033555604327232500Beginning April 7, MNIT will support state agencies in exploring the use of a generative AI tool integrated within Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud (GCC).artificial intelligencegenerativeAIinnovationeng232516232500432439594086A person working at a laptop. An illustration indicates he is chatting with an AI bot./mnit/assets/copilot-chat-1200x630-social-blog%201_tcm38-677677.jpgA person working at a laptop. An illustration indicates he is chatting with an AI bot./mnit/assets/copilot-chat-blog-thumb_tcm38-677678.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:38-677592" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-04-08T17:40:23ZBeginning this week, MNIT will support state agencies in exploring the use of a generative AI tool integrated within Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud (GCC).New tool available for state agencies, advancing AI adoption across the State of Minnesota38<p style="text-align: left;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>April 8, 2025 (Saint Paul, MN)</strong> – The State of Minnesota is advancing its artificial intelligence journey by introducing secure, generative AI capabilities to executive branch agencies. Beginning this week, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) will support state agencies in exploring the use of Copilot Chat, a generative AI tool integrated within Microsoft 365 Government, designed to meet the security and compliance standards for government data. This initiative is part of the state’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>"This marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to empower state employees with AI, enabling them to work more efficiently while upholding the highest standards of data protection,"</strong> said Tarek Tomes, Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services and State of Minnesota Chief Information Officer. <strong>"Our commitment to innovation goes hand in hand with our responsibility to safeguard Minnesotans' data, ensuring that AI is used securely and effectively to enhance public services."</strong></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The State will be among the first government organizations in the nation to make available this technology. As agencies choose to adopt the tool, employees can use it to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and foster innovation while ensuring compliance with Minnesota’s data protection policies.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Key features of the new tool: </p> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li><strong>Secure AI integration:</strong> Built within Microsoft 365 Government, ensuring compliance with state data protection regulations. </li> <li><strong>Enhanced productivity:</strong> Employees can leverage AI to draft emails, summarize documents, manage meetings, and brainstorm ideas. </li> <li><strong>No additional cost:</strong> Available as part of the state’s existing Microsoft contract.</li> </ul> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">MNIT remains dedicated to providing employees with the tools they need to excel. By introducing secure generative AI, the state takes a meaningful step toward enhancing workplace efficiency and increasing productivity for State of Minnesota employees.</p> <hr xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" /> <h2 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Minnesota IT Services</h2> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,800 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a title="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fmnit%2Fmedia%2Fblog%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101948e678ea5-27fc622f-a8b8-4957-be63-38c4b68080a3-000000/tU-H-yQaGYstqChNaptg5snXArx2k-g-7ySkiid47BQ=389" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fmnit%2Fmedia%2Fblog%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101948e678ea5-27fc622f-a8b8-4957-be63-38c4b68080a3-000000/tU-H-yQaGYstqChNaptg5snXArx2k-g-7ySkiid47BQ=389" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Previous announcements</a></p>6775922325152026-02-27T18:54:55Z3355560500News640News604327Minnesota received the top grade in the Digital States Survey and special recognition for innovation engBadge with text "State of Minnesota Digital State Survey A Grade" over blue patterened background./mnit/assets/digital-states-survey-blog-2_tcm38-646645.jpgBadge with text "State of Minnesota Digital State Survey A Grade" over black patterened background./mnit/assets/digital-states-survey-blog-thumb-2_tcm38-646646.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:38-646544" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2024-09-26T15:52:27ZMinnesota received the top grade in the Digital States Survey and special recognition for innovation 38<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>September 26, 2024 (Saint Paul, MN)</strong> - The Center for Digital Government has awarded Minnesota the highest grade for its use of digital technology in 2024. Minnesota earned an overall "A" in the <a href="https://www.govtech.com/digital-states-survey-2024-results-announced">2024 Digital States Survey</a>. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>“We’re committed to delivering the best government services for Minnesotans, using technology to focus on the needs of the people we serve,”</strong> said Governor Walz. <strong>“This recognition shows that Minnesota continues to lead the way in using innovative solutions to improve lives.” </strong></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota was one of nine states to earn an "A," which reflects strong innovation, high-performing technology solutions, and the application of best practices in operations, governance, and administration.  </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>“Technology is at the core of effective government, and our efforts are focused on making Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family,”</strong> said Tarek Tomes, Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services and the state's Chief Information Officer. <strong>“We’re honored to be recognized by the Center for Digital Government for our leadership. This recognition fuels our commitment to harness innovative, inclusive technology that benefits all Minnesotans.” </strong></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota also received first place for its exemplary work in Continuous Innovation category in recognition of the exploration, testing, and appropriate application of emerging technologies to improve government services. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Digital States Survey helps states benchmark their use of digital technologies to improve service delivery, boost capacity, and achieve policy goals. A full national overview of all 50 states and their grades is available on the Center for Digital Government’s website. Minnesota will be recognized at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA on September 29. </p> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About the Center for Digital Government </h3> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Center for Digital Government (CDG) is a national research and advisory institute focused on IT policies and best practices in state and local governments. Through its programs and services, the CDG provides public and private sector leaders with knowledge and support to effectively integrate new technologies in the 21st century. </p> <p style="text-align: center;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">###</p> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Minnesota IT Services</h3> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,400 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans.  </p>6465442026-02-27T18:53:45Z33555News640News604327A new group TAIGA (Transparent Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance) will lead the charge cybersecuritysecuritylocalAIArtificial Intelligence eng226754432439A butterfly made of triangles to mimic digital nodes./mnit/assets/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2811%29_tcm38-597883.pngA State of Minnesota shape made to mimic digital nodes./mnit/assets/MN-circuit-board-square-1000x1000_tcm38-593354.png<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:38-593353" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-10-24T17:28:17ZA new group TAIGA (Transparent Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance) will lead the charge.38<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise to enhance digital service government delivery. It offers opportunities to better design policy and expands analysis capabilities to improve decision-making. However, the rapidly evolving technology presents numerous challenges without adequate guardrails to ensure that AI use is human-centered, safe, trustworthy, transparent, ethical, and accountable. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota’s awareness of the potential for adverse impact resulting from the unregulated use of AI in government programs and processes led Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) to convene a group called the Transparent Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance (TAIGA) to work on issues related to AI policy, governance, and usage and to help develop processes and structures for safe deployment of the technology to improve lives. TAIGA is committed to balancing confidence and skepticism about the new technology by embracing transparency, security, and equity with human oversight and focusing on accuracy, accountability, and safety to deliver value and benefits to Minnesotans. </p> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">New standard</h3> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">TAIGA developed a <a href="/mnit/government/policies/security/ai-standard/index.jsp" title="Intro - AI Security Standard" xlink:title="Intro - AI Security Standard" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Public Artificial Intelligence Tool Security Standard</a> for the responsible use of AI tools in personal tasks by Minnesota state employees and to reduce the risk of sharing private, sensitive, or protected data. The standard demonstrates with sample cases the permitted and prohibited uses of publicly available AI tools such as ChatGPT (OpenAI), Bing (Microsoft), and Bard (Google) within Minnesota’s legal and regulatory ambit. </p> <h3 xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">What's next</h3> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">TAIGA is in the early development stages, partnering with cross-functional teams across the executive branch, including legal, human resources, procurement, subject experts, security, architecture, application development, accessibility, and communications, to explore and examine AI in all possible dimensions. The team is focused on developing processes to help catalog, evaluate, and implement technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">TAIGA’s vision is to understand holistically the evolution of AI tools as it seeks to help develop a policy for governance collaboratively and identify future opportunities to align AI capabilities with state priorities to rapidly drive innovation and elevate the quality and timeliness of services. That vision comes to life when AI usage becomes responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, and governable with minimal risks and maximum value, helping Minnesotans access state services faster and improve their lives. </p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Stay tuned for more updates from TAIGA as the policy, processes, and governance are formalized.  </p>5933532324912023-12-18T18:24:13Z