California governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new bid to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to combat the US state’s housing and homelessness crisis. But the move attracted criticism from hundreds of social media users who called for more affordable homes instead.
Newsom put out a call for software developers to “create and present innovative AI solutions” to homelessness in California. The state has one of the highest homelessness rates in the United States, despite being home to a booming tech industry.
Newsom said: “As the birthplace of the tech industry and the fifth largest economy in the world, California isn’t afraid of progress.
“We’ll deploy every tool to address some of the most vexing issues of our time, including the housing and homelessness crisis. California has the technology and the innovative spirit — let’s put them to use for the public good.”
Generative AI, such as ChatGPT can be used to create text, images, videos and more while California is home to 32 of the world’s 50 leading GenAI companies.
Earlier this year, Gavin Newsom held a summit on GenAI with leaders across technology, labour, government and academia to discuss how the technology can be harnessed to improve Californian lives.