The Australian Government has released its interim response to consultations on Safe and Responsible AI in Australia, outlining steps to ensure the safe and responsible development and deployment of AI in the country. The response highlights existing efforts to strengthen laws related to AI, such as privacy law reforms and reviews of the Online Safety Act 2021. However, it acknowledges that current laws fall short in preventing harms in high-risk contexts where reversibility may be difficult.
Through the consultation process, several significant risks of AI were identified, including technical risks, unpredictability and opacity, contextual risks, systemic risks, and unforeseen risks. In light of these risks, the government will focus on regulating the use of AI in high-risk settings like law enforcement, healthcare, and job recruitment. The definition and criteria for high-risk settings are still under consideration.
The government aims to strike a balance by ensuring that low-risk AI use, such as optimizing business operations, can continue to thrive without excessive regulation. They are also considering mandatory requirements for the safe design, development, and deployment of AI systems in high-risk settings. These requirements may include testing of products for safety, transparency, accountability, and training for AI system developers and deployers.
The Australian Government’s interim response reflects their commitment to address the potential risks associated with AI while maximizing its opportunities. By focusing on high-risk settings and introducing necessary regulations, they aim to ensure the responsible use of AI in Australia.
In summary, the Australian Government has published its interim response on Safe and Responsible AI in Australia, acknowledging existing efforts and proposing steps to enhance regulations in high-risk settings. The response emphasizes the need for safe and responsible AI deployment while allowing low-risk AI use to flourish. The government intends to introduce mandatory requirements to ensure the safe design and development of AI systems in high-risk contexts. This response reflects the government’s dedication to strike a balance between reaping the benefits of AI and mitigating potential harms.
