The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has welcomed the Federal Government’s discussion paper on regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology as an important step towards protecting society.
The academy, which is made up of over 900 of Australia’s technologists, engineers, and applied scientists, said it believes that AI has the potential to offer great advantages throughout the economy and society, but we must plan ahead of time to prevent potential harm.
In a news release, ATSE said the launch of the “Supporting responsible AI: discussion paper” indicates growing political leadership.
It stated that input from a diverse range of Australian expertise is now required if the country is to properly capitalise on its AI opportunity.
ATSE CEO Kylie Walker stated that Australia has the potential to be a global leader in responsible AI, owing to its world-class research, existing regulatory frameworks, and early acceptance of AI Ethics Principles.
She stated that the paper is a crucial national conversation, adding that ATSE appreciates the government’s role in fostering AI opportunities.
“We must focus on both the opportunities and the risks of widespread adoption; the scope and adequacy of national planning and policies; the fitness of legal and regulatory approaches; and the implications of increasing geopolitical competition and geo-specific regulation in AI-related technologies and industries,” Walker said.
Walker added it is critical that the government investigates the significant environmental cost of these technologies, particularly the massive power and water requirements, as well as the resources consumed by upgrading hardware.
In turn, a Rapid Response Information Report for Australia’s Office of the Chief Scientist was written by ATSE in association with the Australian Council of Learned Academies, the Australian Academy of Humanities, and the Australian Academy of Science to support the Discussion Paper.
The study showed how quickly and fundamentally generative AI is changing business, government, and society.
It also underlined the need for improved knowledge, AI technology integration, and design.
ATSE said it looks forward to collaborating with the government and drawing on its extensive network of knowledge to promote sensible regulatory and policy responses to AI technologies.
