Ethics and Accountability in the Face of Rapid Technological Change
Whilst the advancements in AI have allowed teams to deploy new capabilities at an incredible rate, it’s important that these deployments do not happen before clear frameworks and policies have been defined. Generative AI brings about unprecedented democratization of the access to information, and the ability to improve productivity. However, achieving this requires listening to end users and employees about how they want to consume generative AI, as well as educating employees on the safe and responsible use of AI.
– James Scott, Field CTO, Dell Canada
The regulatory landscape for AI in 2024 is marked by significant developments aimed at enhancing accountability and addressing the ethical challenges posed by rapidly advancing technologies.
Click on the highlighted regions in the map below to read about how the approach to AI regulations is evolving across the European Union, the United States, and here in Canada.
The European Union is leading the charge with the anticipated enactment of the AI Act, which targets “high risk” applications in sectors like education, health care, and policing. This act mandates new standards for transparency and accountability, particularly for foundational models and applications deemed to pose a significant risk to fundamental rights. The act restricts the use of certain technologies, such as facial recognition in public spaces without court approval and bans the creation of facial recognition databases and emotion recognition technology in work and educational settings. These regulations emphasize the need for companies to document their AI development processes more rigorously for auditing, ensuring AI systems are trained and tested with representative data sets to minimize biases.[6]
In Canada, the federal government offers guidance and support on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for federal institutions as they develop usage policies and procedures, however currently, there is no regulatory framework in place that is specific to AI. The government introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) as part of Bill C-27 in November of 2021 which is intended to set a foundation for the responsible design, development and deployment of AI systems in Canada. Currently, the bill has passed a second reading in the House of Commons and is being studied by the industry and technology committee. In 2023, the federal government also introduced the Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems, a code designed to temporarily provide Canadian companies with common standards until AIDA comes into effect.[7]
Introduced by the United States government, the AI “Bill of Rights” is not a legislative document, but a set of guidelines aimed at protecting the civil liberties of Americans in the digital age. It outlines five key principles that should guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to safeguard the public welfare, including privacy, algorithmic discrimination protection, data security, transparency, and accountability. These principles emphasize the importance of AI technologies that are equitable and free from biases, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly impacted by automated decisions.
Globally, countries are at various stages of developing their AI regulations, reflecting a worldwide race to navigate the ethical and societal implications of AI. In China, for instance, a more fragmented approach has been taken, with specific legislation for different AI applications. However, comprehensive AI laws are on the legislative agenda, suggesting a move toward a more unified regulatory framework.[8]
These developments highlight a global shift towards establishing a robust regulatory framework for AI that balances innovation with ethical considerations and societal well-being. As AI continues to evolve, the emphasis on transparency, accountability, and ethical use will likely shape the future of technology governance worldwide.
[6] https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/03/19/1089919/the-ai-act-is-done-heres-what-will-and-wont-change/
[7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/advanced-artificial-intelligence-risk-extinction-humans-1.7144372
[8] https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/01/05/1086203/whats-next-ai-regulation-2024/
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