A newly formed task force in Australia is taking a proactive approach in assessing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The task force, known as the Artificial Intelligence Expert Group, aims to identify the riskiest uses of AI, such as social scoring and biometric identification, and develop restrictions to ensure that AI is used responsibly and without harmful consequences.
Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic, who announced the appointments for the task force, emphasized the importance of finding a balance to allow low-risk AI to flourish unimpeded. He cited examples in the EU where AI has been used in ways that pose unacceptable risks, such as social scoring based on socio-economic status and the cognitive manipulation of children through voice-activated toys.
The task force consists of experts from various fields, including CSIRO Chief Scientist Bronwyn Fox, senior counsel Angus Lang, the chair of Australia’s national AI standards committee Aurelie Jacquet, Indigenous intellectual property expert Terrie Janke, and UNSW Professor Toby Walsh. Together, they will work on developing restrictions for the deployment of AI and identifying high-risk uses of AI technology in Australia.
In addition to addressing risks, the task force aims to increase transparency in the use of AI. They plan to create a framework for labeling when AI has been used, including watermarking images, and investigate ways to make AI models and their data sources more transparent.
However, it’s important to note that the task force is temporary, with members serving in their roles until the end of June while the government considers long-term plans. This temporary nature allows for a more agile response to emerging challenges and technologies in the AI space.
Professor Simon Lucey, the Australian Institute of Machine Learning Director at the University of Adelaide and a member of the task force, stressed the need for Australia to find its own path in regulating AI. While Europe has taken a legislative approach, Lucey emphasizes the importance of protecting the population while also investing in AI capabilities to reap economic benefits.
The potential benefits of AI are not lost on industry leaders either. Microsoft Australia Managing Director Steven Worrall highlighted the significant advantages that organizations can unlock through the use of AI. He emphasized that failing to identify opportunities in AI could put the country’s global standing at risk. With productivity being a national agenda item in Australia, technology, including AI, is seen as a primary lever to drive economic growth.
Scott Guthrie, the Executive Vice-President of Microsoft Cloud and AI Group, pointed out that research has shown that companies that deploy AI software start reaping financial benefits, with the greatest boost seen 14 months after implementation.
The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Expert Group in Australia demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the responsible use of AI and managing the associated risks. By gathering experts from diverse fields, the task force aims to strike a balance between protecting the population and fostering AI innovation and economic growth. As the group works towards developing restrictions and promoting transparency, Australia is poised to become a leader in responsible AI deployment.
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