Graham Taylor is part of a group of researchers and academics calling on politicians to support artificial intelligence and data laws.
GUELPH — Artificial intelligence has the potential to address some of the most pressing problems of our time, but it also poses risks that need to be taken seriously and addressed quickly, says a professor at the University of Guelph. A group of researchers, including
“We (Canada) are strong on the AI research front, so we should be seen as leaders in AI policy and legislation and regulation (Canadian Institute for Advanced Study).” It has potential, but it also has the potential to do bad things.”
Taylor, one of more than 75 AI researchers and business representatives nationwide, has urged federal politicians to “strongly support” the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) and put regulation on this rapidly evolving technology. I am signing an open letter asking you to bring
AIDA is part of Bill C-27, introduced last June and introduced to the House of Representatives in November.
If finally approved by the MP, it would establish new measures to regulate the trade and commerce of AI systems, setting requirements for their design, development, and use.
“Certain practices of data and artificial intelligence systems that may cause serious harm to individuals or their interests are also prohibited,” a summary posted on the Canadian government’s website explains.
“In addition to establishing that high-impact AI systems must meet obligations such as security, transparency and human rights, AIDA sanctions actions that seriously harm individuals or their interests. ,” said Taylor et al.’s open letter. “It provides a regulatory scaffold that will be developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, defining specific concepts and requirements that serve as guardrails for AI development and deployment.”
Attempts to reach MP Lloyd Longfield for comment were not immediately successful.
AIDA’s passage “seems to be at a dead end,” Taylor said.
“There is some concern that if we do not move forward this summer when Congress is not in session, we will miss the opportunity to respond at this stage of technology development,” he said. “Every day, a model with new features is not developed.”
Taylor and other letter signatories acknowledge that AI has “huge potential for economic growth and social opportunity,” including addressing health and environmental issues.
“We are already using AI to develop new drugs and new materials.
“There are certainly a lot of possibilities for the system to harm,” he added, referring to promoting discrimination, prejudice and misinformation as well as negatively impacting mental health and disrupting the labor market.
“I think the laws there are not to delay research, but to look at what is being deployed as a product or service and hold people accountable if there is any misuse of the technology.”
The professor encourages people to learn about AI technology and AIDA and share their concerns with federal representatives such as Longfield.
