Two Ontario watchdogs have released a new document to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the province, leapfrogging the Ford government’s longstanding effort to create an official AI framework.
Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) and Human Rights Commission (OHRC) have released a set of joint principles designed to help the Ontario government, the broader public sector, and the private sector decide how to deploy AI and when to retire it.
“It’s evolving very quickly,” said Patricia Cosseim, Ontario’s privacy watchdog. “The adoption and development of AI in the public sector across Ontario is of great interest and priority for many agencies.… [We] We felt it was urgent to remind organizations of their existing obligations. ”
The IPC said his office has already received numerous complaints and is investigating the proliferation of AI use in the state and related concerns.
For example, students at one university expressed concern that AI-powered online proctoring software was being used to monitor students while writing exams.
The complaint triggered an investigation and guidance from the Privacy Commissioner on using AI “appropriately and responsibly” in a way that balances students’ privacy rights and ensures the accuracy of information.
Similarly, the human rights commissioner said his office is concerned that without guardrails, bias in AI-driven research could have “unintended consequences” and impact “historically marginalized individuals and groups.”
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“We want Ontarians to benefit from AI,” said Patricia DeGuire, Ontario Chief Human Rights Commissioner.
“But as social justice watchdogs, we must take the lead in preparing our citizens and institutions to innovate, monitor, and implement these systems, because an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
The report states that the use of AI in both public and private settings should follow principles such as that the information obtained from AI is valid and reliable, that the use of AI is transparent and accountable, and that the application of AI is an affirmation of human rights.
The document states that organizations should conduct an assessment of the effectiveness and reliability of an AI program before implementing it, and should periodically evaluate it to ensure the results are accurate.
The guidance also states that agencies must ensure that AI systems “do not unfairly target” people who take part in public protests or social movements, or who violate their Charter rights.
Commissioners also called for security measures to prevent unauthorized use of personal information.
Perhaps most importantly, the watchdog group said AI systems should be “temporarily or permanently suspended or decommissioned” if they become unsafe, and that systems should be in place to investigate adverse effects on individuals or groups.
Commissioners said their guidance was “urgent and urgent” as the Ford government’s AI regulations are still in progress.
In 2024, the government passed the Strengthening Digital Security and Trust Act, giving states the power to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector.
“Artificial intelligence systems in the public sector should be used responsibly, transparently, responsibly and securely to benefit Ontarians while protecting their privacy,” the bill says.
Kosseim said the government currently only has “high-level principles” as part of its AI framework, which apply directly to state ministries. The new regulations will clarify rules for government agencies, hospitals, schools and the broader public sector.
“If these regulations are ultimately adopted, we hope that sooner rather than later we will have binding parameters that will guide not only state agencies but all public institutions across the state,” Kosseim said.
The OHRC said the rules would also serve as a model for the private sector, which is currently legally required to inform job applicants whether artificial intelligence is used in the hiring process.
“The Commission has flagged the use of AI in employment as an increased risk, as it can lead to indirect discrimination through algorithmic bias,” DeGuire said. “We are looking for broader safeguards against the use of AI in recruitment.”
Ultimately, he stressed, the goal is to use rapidly evolving technology responsibly “to benefit individuals and not undermine public trust.”
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