The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in Malaysia is actively working on a Bill to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to address ethical concerns and ensure transparency surrounding the technology. According to MOSTI Minister Chang Lih Kang, one of the key aspects of the legislation would require AI-generated materials to be publicly labeled. This move aligns with the global trend of implementing stronger regulations on AI usage.
As the use of generative AI applications continues to expand, ethical debates surrounding the technology have intensified. While many see AI as a transformative tool with great potential, concerns have been raised about its ability to create realistic yet fake content, including deepfakes, fake news, and misinformation. Additionally, experts studying technology ethics have warned about potential biases in generative AI models. These models learn from the data they are trained on, meaning that if the training data contains biases, the generated content may reflect those biases.
Chang emphasized the need to strike a balance between innovation and risk management. He highlighted that the upcoming AI Bill would cover various aspects such as data privacy, public awareness of AI usage, transparency, accountability, and cybersecurity. The legislation may also include provisions aimed at educating the public about AI and promoting research and development in the field.
It is worth noting that the European Union is also working on a legal framework to regulate AI usage. Their focus is primarily on establishing rules related to data transparency, quality, accountability, and human oversight.
By introducing regulations and standards, Malaysia aims to address concerns surrounding the use of AI, ensuring that it is deployed ethically and transparently. Publicly labeling AI-generated content will allow consumers to differentiate between genuine and AI-generated materials. Moreover, adopting global standards for AI transparency and pursuing relevant certification can further enhance transparency efforts.
Ultimately, the goal is to harness the potential benefits of AI while mitigating associated risks. With the proposed AI Bill, Malaysia seeks to lead the way in demonstrating how legislative measures can safeguard against the misuse and unethical application of AI technology. By striking a balance between innovation and regulation, Malaysia aims to create an environment where AI can flourish responsibly, benefiting society as a whole.
