Artificial Intelligence (AI) has conquered almost every strand of our life from primary education to finance and even to health care. The rapid growth of AI is amazing, but its unregulated expansion creates significant social, political and ethical challenges. In this AI evolution era, comprehensive AI legislation is essential for the protection of individuals as well as society. Conservation of individual rights is essential along with the protection of social values.
The enhanced data analysis potential of AI improved the productivity and efficiency of various industries. A large number of AI driven technologies are used in the medical field for the discovery of diseases, treatments as well as for staff assistance. Its opportunities varied from self driven vehicles to environmental sustainability and personalized education. With all these progression, AI systems also pose tremendous risk factors like privacy, biasing and ethical problems. The absence of proper regulation will lead AI to certain misuses and abuses and end up in the formation of a valueless society.
AI legislation always remains a complex task due to its wide range of action. Following are the areas which require immediate AI regulation;
1) Data protection and privacy
Data is the key to AI functioning. The collection of data, especially personal data, leads to significant privacy issues. Lack of proper guidelines are the reason for identity theft and data exploitation. Almost all the AI driven platforms use the data without the consent of individuals. A proper legislation is essential for the protection and storage of data with enough transparency.
2) Biased nature
AI algorithms function on the basis of data we collected. If the data for the training of AI is biased in nature the result also is in this form. Society has always remained in a biased form in gender, race or economic factors. Several incidents have happened that AI made racist decisions in certain conditions based on their historical data collected. Developers should ensure proper concerns in AI development with bias free and equality oriented.
3) Accountability and Transparency
AI systems are not transparent. Data analysis and decision making are vague in nature which creates a barrier in accountability. No one will take the responsibility of AI making decisions in critical cases particularly health, finance or law enforcement. Make sure AI systems are not opaque in nature. Proper laws are made for structured auditing and transparency. Make sure AI decisions are accountable in nature.
4) Safety ensuring
Autonomous cars and drones are the two salient inventions of AI. But these systems also increase the possibilities of personal harm and even death. Concerns of safety and responsibilities are crucial in these situations. In accident cases or malfunctioning it is unsure who will take over the liability- the manufacturer, developer or the owner. AI legislation definitely defines safety standards and sets up proper protocols in accident and death cases.
5) Reshaping of labor market
Job market after the arrival of AI is much more competitive. AI has the capacity to create and destroy jobs. It displaced an immense number of workers, particularly people doing manual work. Policy makers should address the unemployment caused by AI. Government should invest in retraining job programs, and increase the capability of people to adjust to new trends in AI. Ensure universal basic income measures.
6) Intellectual Property
A large number of tools are invented in order to increase the creativity of AI products.AI became more competent with humans in creative works from music, image generation, content writing or even software development. The question arises here who will own the intellectual property rights of all these creative works. Does the programmer or the end user have the right? Governments have not coined clear guidelines related to the ownership of AI generated content.
Countries across the world understood the urgency of AI legislation. Different nations have different socio economic and cultural backgrounds. So a single structured law is not applicable for every nation.
* European Union
General Data Protection Regulation is an AI regulation introduced by the European Union. The draft of the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act also provides hope in AI legislation. The Act tries to form a legal skeleton by differentiating AI applications based on their risks. High risk level AI systems those used in medical care, transportation are prone to strict regulations with efficient human control and transparency.
* United States
The United States of America took a more liberal approach to AI legislation highlighting creation and economic growth. There is no specific Federal AI law but existing area specific legislations (eg ; Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on AI fairness). Although a huge demand for AI regulation emerged from different parts of America in order for the protection of privacy, fairness and accountability. California introduced AI related laws but a national level AI regulation law’s discussion is going on.
* China
China through its policies try to become a global AI leader in 2030. As part of this China promotes rapid AI growth along with strict regulations in technology specifically in censorship. The country ensures the AI developing systems firmly follow their‘ Socialist values’. They consider political ideologies as the root for building AI legislation framework.
Nowadays AI is more associated with the decision making process along with technical and creative structure. AI must deal with ethical matters. We should build a more inclusive society laid on the principle of equality.
Human Autonomy
Never make AI over human autonomy. We should ensure AI applications enhance human dignity by giving proper priority to individual choices. Make AI software as tools to increase productivity and empowerment rather than controlling us.
Social Justice
Progression in AI sometimes may create societal discrimination. Inequalities will reflect in all spheres of life. Proper laws are made to equal access of AI to all classes of society. Take care of the necessities of marginalized sections with an inclusive approach.
Environmental Sustainability
Try to minimize environmental harm with AI progression. AI legislation should make for the sustainable consumption of resources with maximum social growth.
In order to increase the awareness of AI legislation the role of International Cooperation is significant. International Organizations like the United Nations and OECD have initiated various AI regulation programs and policies but the cooperation of all nations is essential for a complete success by considering the sociopolitical nature of each nation.
AI legislation is an emergency need not a distant concern. It is sure AI support is integral for the future dealing of all actions extending from day to day tasks to life saving AI. Policy makers should collaborate with all sectors of society to address their concerns. Enough importance is given to ethics and human rights along with the consolidation of marginalized people. Governments at national and international level ensure the smooth functioning of AI by upholding societal values.
