The Australian government is actively considering introducing mandatory regulations for high-risk AI development. The move follows growing public concerns about the safety and ethical implications of rapidly advancing AI technology and calls from publishers for fair compensation for premium content used in AI training.
The government’s approach is structured around five principles: using a risk-based framework, avoiding undue burden, public participation, consistency with the Bletchley Declaration and prioritizing people and communities in regulatory development. Concerns addressed include inaccuracy in AI model input and output, biased training data, lack of transparency, and potential for discriminatory output.
Current initiatives to address AI-related risks include government task forces on AI, privacy law reform, cybersecurity considerations, and the development of a regulatory framework for automated vehicles. These efforts are consistent with the Australian Government’s commitment to safe and responsible deployment of AI.
We focus on high-risk AI applications, including healthcare, employment, and law enforcement. The government proposes a mix of mandatory and voluntary measures to mitigate these risks. Transparency of AI, including labeling AI-generated content, is also a key consideration.
Internationally, Australia’s regulatory stance on AI is more aligned with the US and UK, which favor a softer approach as opposed to the EU’s stricter AI laws. This balanced approach can help governments address both known and potential risks of AI technologies to ensure their safe and ethical use.
The Australian Government will continue to work with states and territories to strengthen their regulatory framework. Possible steps include introducing mandatory safeguards for high-risk AI settings, considering legislative measures for these guardrails, and specific mandates for the development of frontline AI models. A temporary expert advisory group will also be formed to guide the development of AI guardrails.
In summary, the Australian Government is embracing the potential of AI to improve quality of life and economic growth, while taking deliberate steps to ensure the safe, responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technology, particularly in high-risk scenarios.
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