The launch of ChatGPT last year has amplified conversations about the potential implications of artificial intelligence. With these worries in mind, the British Columbia Green Party is urging the provincial government to form a collaborative AI task force. Adam Olsen, BC Green MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, emphasized the importance of the task force to understand how governments can communicate and set regulations for the progression of AI.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and its sister offices in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec have placed investigations on OpenAI, the company responsible for the chatbot. OpenAI is a for-profit artificial intelligence organisation founded in San Francisco, California. The company has reaped capital through the support of major tech investors such as Microsoft, Amazon, and PayPal.
It is possible that the BC government could introduce AI regulations, however it is more likely the government in Ottawa would enforce any legislation. To ensure that MLAs are choosing the common good, Olsen proposed that MLAs should increase their knowledge of the implications of AI on government matters, economic operations, education, and other topics. He firmly believes that these discussions should happen in a task force proceeding and the government should consider all the advantages of regulations, not just the negative aspects.
Alan Mackworth, a professor emeritus from the University of British Columbia’s computer science department, stated that British Columbia is lagging behind in this matter. He underlined the importance of setting up suitable conditions ahead of time in order for the use of AI, and its effects on jobs, the way we work, and the overall economy will have a profound effect.
The European Union is devising the AI Act, categorizing different AI tools according to their level of risk and harm. Organizations using those tools would have to adhere to different conditions and standards. In Canada, Mackworth suggested that there are various options, such as regulations from the various governing bodies, regulations from the private industry, and certification for the industry to ensure the use of AI is safe.
Leaders of G7 nations are currently gathering in Japan and calling for technical standards in the AI industry. At a press conference on Friday, Premier David Eby discussed the benefits and potential consequences of AI, and spoke on the efforts the government has already taken to address AI-related topics.
The outcome of the investigation by the Canadian privacy authorities, including B.C.’s, will be released to the public.
