The Australian Government has issued its interim response to the 2023 consultation on safe and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasising a balanced approach to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.
The consultation, which attracted over 500 submissions, including significant public involvement, highlighted the dual nature of AI as a driver for wellbeing and economic growth, and a field laden with regulatory challenges.
The government's response underscores the need for stringent measures in high-risk AI applications and a more lenient approach in low-risk scenarios, outlining strategies for testing, legal clarity, international cooperation and maximising AI's potential benefits.
Key takeaways
The key takeaway from the consultation is the acknowledgment of AI's role in enhancing wellbeing, quality of life and economic growth.
However, it also highlighted a gap in the current regulatory frameworks in fully addressing the risks associated with AI technologies.
Respondents advocated for additional safeguards against high-risk applications of AI and potential unforeseen dangers from advanced 'frontier' models.
Governments plans
The Australian Government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safe and reliable use of AI in high-risk settings while allowing its use in low-risk scenarios with minimal restrictions.
The government's approach involves a combination of strategies, including:
- using testing, transparency and accountability measures to prevent harms from occurring in high-risk settings;
- clarifying and strengthening laws to safeguard citizens;
- working internationally to support the safe development and deployment of AI; and
- maximising the benefits of AI.