The AI Future: A Responsible Approach to Emerging Risks

Authored by Andrew Truswell and Casper Xiao

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised concerns about its potential negative impacts on society and the economy. As demands for AI regulation increase, it is crucial to understand and address the risks associated with this technology. In this thought leadership article, Andrew Truswell from Biztech Lawyers explores the pressing need for regulation, provides insights into AI definitions and risks, discusses existing legislation's handling of AI risks, highlights international developments in AI regulation, and emphasizes the importance of safe and responsible AI practices.

The need for AI regulation

AI’s benefits are evident, but the growing demand for regulation is unprecedented. The concern arises from the potential harm to our social and economic wellbeing when it produces fake or misleading outputs. To address these concerns, the Australian Government has released a Discussion Paper which lifts the lid on these concerns, examining regulatory approaches within Australia, and comparing them to international advancements in other jurisdictions. 

What is AI?

While a universally agreed-upon definition of AI does not currently exist, the Discussion Paper offers helpful definitions to enhance understanding. This includes the term Generative AI models, which is used to describe models “which generate novel content, such as text, images, audio and code in response to prompts.” 

The European Parliament’s Draft AI Act defines broadly AI as:

“a machine-based system that is designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, generate outputs such as predictions, recommendations, or decisions that influence physical or virtual environments”. 

Risk-based approach to AI systems

The Discussion Paper identifies various opportunities and challenges associated with AI models. Notably, the production of fake outputs, including manipulative deepfakes, emerges as a grave concern. Additionally, the risks and challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and outputs that incite self-harm highlight the real and relevant issues surrounding AI.

The complexity is further amplified by the inclusion of entirely incorrect or wrong outputs (known as “hallucinations”) stemming from Generative AI. Embracing a risk-based approach becomes imperative to navigating the treacherous territories, and responsibly and securely deploying AI models.

Current handling of AI risks

The Discussion Paper highlights AI Risks in key industries, such as in financial services, airline safety, motor vehicles and food. As these industries are already subject to regulation, AI-specific regulations must be tailored to address the gaps. The Paper also acknowledges potential overlaps with proposed changes to the Australian Privacy Act and existing legal remedies for consumers under the Australian Consumer Law. Ethical standards outlined in Australia’s AI Ethics Framework released in 2019 are also referenced.

However, there are industries where existing domestic governance lacks adequate coverage, requiring the introduction of additional AI regulations for safe and ethical AI usage.

AI international developments

After setting the global standard for data protection with GDPR, which applies extraterritorially to Australian businesses who process data (either as controller or processor), or offer services in the EEA, the European Parliament passed a compromise text of the AI Act, at the committee stage in June. If this law is passed, it will categorise AI in several risk categories, and ban those placed in the most harmful category (being systems deemed to pose an unacceptable risk, such as social scoring systems that conduct remote surveillance on people in real time in public spaces). The law may not pass until 2025, but it could become a global standard for AI, similar to GDPR.

The Discussion Paper acknowledges these developments and highlights other initiatives worldwide, such as the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) (Nov 2022), which applies to digital services that connect consumers to goods, services or content, creating obligations for online platforms to reduce harm, and counter online risks.  

The EEA is not the only jurisdiction taking strides to address AI regulation. The Discussion Paper also references the US Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and Executive Order on AI, the UK’s National AI Strategy, Canada’s Directive on Automated Decision Making and Digital Charter Implementation Act, China’s Personal Information Protection Law, New Zealand’s Algorithm Charter, and Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission, and many others. 

With the proposed changes to the Australian Privacy Act to align more closely with GDPR identified in the Government’s Privacy Act Review Discussion Paper, it is encouraging to see Australia’s attention to international developments concerning AI. This approach ensures that Australia’s regulatory approach is consistent with global standards from the outset. The Discussion Paper sheds light on the regulatory direction, indicating that Australia is taking a proactive stance by adopting a combined frontal approach. This approach entails the implementation of broad, general regulations while also incorporating sector-specific rules where necessary. Furthermore, the Paper recognizes the significance of voluntary and self-regulated initiatives in the AI landscape.

Safe and responsible AI best practices

Australian businesses must understand the current regulatory framework and anticipate future regulations based on existing laws and future proposed laws and regulations, on both a domestic and international front. Given the rapid growth of AI technology impacting personal information, businesses must navigate their obligations meticulously. The Discussion Papers on AI and Privacy are complex, and compliance with the forthcoming regulations will require heightened attention to meet the expectations of Australians and regulatory authorities. 

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the Discussion Papers on AI and Privacy have emphasized an urgent need for AI regulation due to its potential risks. By understanding the nature of AI, adopting a risk-based approach, addressing gaps in existing legislation, and keeping abreast of international developments, businesses can navigate the legal landscape surrounding AI. It is crucial to prioritize safe and responsible AI practices to protect individuals and uphold ethical standards. Biztech Lawyers stands ready to assist businesses in navigating the legal challenges posed by AI.

Biztech Lawyers 

Biztech Lawyers is an agile law firm comprising technology and data law experts who closely monitor the regulatory landscape across Australia, the UK, and the USA. Our expertise allows us to navigate the legal frontier of AI, ensuring businesses comply with evolving regulations and industry standards.

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