Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing and becoming part of our everyday lives. It is important that our community understands what this means for them and knows the advantages and disadvantages of using AI. Everyone needs to know how they can keep their information safe and recognise fake and incorrect images or information.
Council is beginning to use AI tools in a minimal way to create efficiencies and understand how it can help us do our jobs better. To do this safely and effectively, we’re building our organisation’s skills, improving our data and systems, and putting strong governance in place.
City of Onkaparinga has taken a careful, staged approach. We provide guidance for how staff can use AI, and we’re supporting employees with training and opportunities to learn and experiment with tools like Copilot.
Our goal is to find the right balance: protecting the community while still making the most of the opportunities AI offers. Build your knowledge about AI.
Build your knowledge about AI
What is AI and how does it work?
AI is technology that learns from data and helps computers to do tasks that usually need human thinking such as answering questions, summarising information, or recognising patterns.
For more information please visit:
Does AI collect or store my personal information?
Some AI tools do collect data, and others don’t. It depends on the tool. If you use a public AI tool, avoid entering sensitive information like your address, medical details, or financial information.
Council staff are not permitted to put personal or sensitive information into AI tools.
What happens if AI gives wrong or misleading information?
When you use AI, it is important that you check information against valid sources.
How will AI affect children and young people?
Parents and educators should guide safe use and talk with children about checking facts.
Here are some links to information about how AI affects children and young people:
Is AI bad for the environment?
AI uses energy to run large data centres.
Here are some links to information about the environmental impacts of AI:
How can I use AI safely in everyday life?
- Don’t share personal or sensitive information
- Double check important facts from reliable sources
- Use reputable AI tools from trusted organisations
- Treat AI as a helpful assistant, not a source of truth
Who regulates AI?
AI is guided by a mix of national, state, and organisational rules. Governments are developing new laws, and organisations like councils set their own policies to make sure AI is used responsibly.
Here are some links to state and national guides on the use of AI:
Can AI be used for scams, deepfakes, or misinformation?
Yes. AI can create realistic fake images, voices, and messages. If something looks suspicious or “too real to be true,” check it with a trusted source or report it.
Here are some links to information on how to look for scams, fakes and misinformation:
AI has been used in the development of these FAQ’s.