State Department Turns to Chatbot to Improve Operations

An artificial intelligence-powered chatbot will soon be rolled out at the Department of State to improve its operations. 

At the Palo Alto Network’s Public Sector Ignite event on Tuesday, Kelly Fletcher, chief information officer at the State Department, said that the agency is turning to generative AI to address its workforce’s call to streamline processes, including the translation of documents not written in English. 

She also discussed plans to ensure top-notch security while using the solution, including deploying the AI-powered chatbot on the department’s secure network, FedScoop reported.

Apart from improving daily tasks, the agency also unveiled plans to use AI to help its employees track their career growth. Don Bauer, chief technology officer at the State Department’s Bureau of Global Talent Management, said that an AI tool can guide career progression by providing data on what skills and training an employee needs to complete to qualify for his desired post.

The department is also engaged in ensuring the safe and responsible use and deployment of AI. In February, a State Department official emphasized the need for the international community to ensure the world is prepared to manage the benefits and risks associated with AI.