Australia said on Thursday it planned to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) including a potential ban on deep fakes and realistic-looking but false content, amid concerns the technology could be misused.
The move comes on the heels of a meeting of top AI executives earlier this week when they raised the “risk of extinction from AI” and urged policymakers to equate it to risks posed by pandemics and nuclear war.
“There is clearly, in the community, a concern about whether or not the technology is getting ahead of itself,” Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic told ABC television.
Potential Misuse of AI in Parliamentary Consultations
According to a recently published report by Australia’s National Science and Technology Council, the potential misuse of AI-generated content in parliamentary consultations has been brought to light. The report, released on Thursday, highlights the concerning possibility of flooding consultations with deceptive submissions, thereby manipulating public opinion.
“Governments have got a clear role to play in recognising the risk and … putting curbs in place,” Husic said. Australia was among the first countries regulate AI, unveiling a voluntary ethics framework in 2018.
Husic acknowledged gaps remained in laws covering copyright, privacy and consumer protection, and said the government wanted to ensure its legal frameworks were “fit for purpose” given the rapid development of the AI sector.
Australia Considers Banning High-Risk Elements of AI
In an era where technological advancements continually reshape our society, proactive measures must be taken to safeguard the democratic processes from emerging threats. The responsible and ethical use of AI technology is paramount in preserving the trust and confidence of the public in parliamentary consultations, ensuring that they remain a true reflection of collective aspirations rather than a medium for deliberate manipulation.
European lawmakers last month inched closer to pass a law to regulate AI, potentially the world’s first comprehensive AI law that could form a precedent among advanced economies.
Husic said Australia would also consider banning high-risk elements of AI if there was strong demand for it during public consultations to frame the new laws.
