The DA acknowledges the ability of artificial intelligence (AI)to improve government service delivery and create economic growth when harnessed responsibly. However, this is still a rapidly developing technology, which poses dangers should it remain unregulated.
The DA’s position is clear- following the precedent set by the European Union, a DA government would adopt a risk-based approach to AI regulation. This approach would imply that the severity of the specific outcomes of AI use will determine the level of regulation required. The primary reason for adopting this approach is to allow regulators to immediately address serious concerns, while permitting a flexible framework for AI to develop. This approach reinforces the DA’s commitment to protecting Constitutional rights (such as privacy and likeness protection), whilst simultaneously allowing for technological innovation not be burdened by government overregulation.
This DA policy sets out the Party’s risk-based approach to AI regulation, which seeks to promote the technology’s benefits whilst simultaneously protecting against its harms. Key details of this policy include:
- Introducing AI regulation by establishing a regulatory body and introducing new laws to encourage the ethical use of AI.
- Creating a National AI Strategic Framework that creates a conducive environment for the private sector to unleash AI’s potential and provides guidelines for the use of AI in government and regulatory sandboxes.
- Improving Digital Infrastructure by mitigating AI’s carbon footprint with green energy alternatives, facilitating the development of lab-to-market initiatives, implementing an enabling visa regime, and incentivising private sector investment in cloud computing infrastructure.
- Enhancing the government’s performance and efficiency by progressively implementing AI to cut red tape, support anti-crime initiatives, and promote cross-government, cross-sector, and international collaboration.
- Promoting AI Skills Development by implementing AI learning programmes in schools and expanding free internet access to learners in less-connected areas.