Government will move quickly on AI action plan
16 May 2018
NZ Government:
The Minister for Government Digital Services
and Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media, Clare Curran, says
an action plan and ethical framework is urgently needed to educate and
upskill people on
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Ms Curran today launched the Artificial Intelligence: Shaping a Future
New Zealand report which outlines the opportunities and challenges
for New Zealand in adopting AI.
“An ethical framework will give people the tools to participate in
conversations about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications in
our society and economy,” Clare Curran said.
“As a first step and because of the importance of ethics and governance
issues around AI, I will be formalising the government’s relationship
with Otago University’s NZ Law Foundation Centre for Law and Policy in
Emerging Technologies.
“There are economic opportunities but also some pressing risks and
ethical challenges with AI and
New Zealand is lagging behind comparable
countries in its work in these areas.
“With many other countries already focussing on the strategic
development of AI, New Zealand must be at the forefront of AI adoption
as we strive to compete in the global marketplace.
The report, commissioned by the AI Forum of New Zealand, provides the
first current-state snapshot of New Zealand’s AI landscape, touching on
the emerging uses of AI.
“This report shows that New Zealand has small but flourishing AI sector,
with innovative systems rapidly evolving at all levels,” says Ms Curran.
“We must prepare for the ethical challenges AI poses to our legal and
political systems, as well as the impact AI will have on workforce
planning, the wider issues of digital rights, data bias, transparency
and accountability are also important for this Government to consider.
“This report creates an opportunity for business, government, academia
and all Kiwis to join the AI conversation. Coming together to develop
the right support and frameworks to grow our AI expertise will be
critical to shaping our future.
“I look forward to these conversations and their contribution to a
strategic approach to AI implementation in New Zealand.”
--ENDS--
Source: New Zealand Government - www.beehive.govt.nz
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