Australia is poised to establish an expert advisory group to assess and formulate strategies for implementing “mandatory guardrails” on artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, as announced by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on Wednesday.
A press release detailing this development revealed that the government is actively exploring the possibility of imposing mandatory constraints on AI development and deployment, especially in high-risk settings, either through amendments to existing laws or the creation of dedicated AI-specific legislation.
While the government contemplates measures to regulate AI development, Australia is concurrently collaborating with the industry to devise a voluntary AI Safety Standard. Additionally, there are efforts to explore options for voluntary labeling and watermarking of AI-generated materials, aiming to enhance transparency in AI applications. The envisaged mandatory guardrails encompass requirements related to testing to ensure the safety of AI products before and after their release. The Australian government emphasizes the need for accountability in the AI landscape, which may involve training programs for both developers and deployers of AI systems, certifications, and clearly defined expectations of accountability for organizations engaged in the development and deployment of AI systems.
Australia has also released its interim response to the consultation paper on Safe and Responsible AI in Australia. The country acknowledges the imperative to move beyond voluntary restraints on AI development due to associated risks such as biases, errors, and limited transparency.
In a significant move last year’s budget in May 2023, the Australian Government allocated a substantial investment of $101.2 million to support businesses in integrating quantum and AI technologies into their operations.
The global landscape witnesses a momentum towards establishing AI regulations, with various countries crafting policies to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating inherent risks. Notably, the European Union (EU) recently became the first region to introduce a comprehensive set of laws to ensure responsible and advantageous use of AI for economic and social benefits. Joining this trend, the UK, the US, and China are actively working on regulations to effectively manage AI technology. The Bletchley Declaration, signed by 28 nations including Australia, highlights the collaborative effort to address common opportunities and risks posed by AI. The ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, also features discussions on regulating AI.
Australia is keen on aligning its AI regulations with the approaches adopted by other nations. The discussion paper titled “Safe and Responsible AI in Australia,” published by the Australian government last year, emphasizes the importance of international harmonization in the governance framework. Recognizing its status as a relatively small, open economy, Australia underscores the significance of aligning its governance framework with global standards to leverage AI-enabled systems on a global scale and promote the growth of AI within the country.
As the adoption of AI accelerates globally, nations are expeditiously formulating regulations to effectively manage and govern the impact of this transformative technology. While AI holds the potential to enhance productivity and operational efficiencies for businesses, the technology also presents challenges such as job displacement, misinformation, and cyber threats when exploited by malicious actors. In navigating these complexities, Australia’s proactive approach in establishing comprehensive AI regulations reflects a commitment to balancing the benefits and risks associated with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
