PUTRAJAYA: In an effort to put a stop to cases of “sounds like me, looks like me but it is not me”, the government has launched a code of ethics to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) is used ethically.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the code of ethics known as Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE) is a framework for setting parameters for AI users in industry and a code of ethics as a regulatory measure for the responsible development and adoption of AI technology.
The government would also begin operating the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) in November and a proposal to form a commission of data is in the works.
Fadillah said that the AIGE should be applied in line with the Rukun Negara principles to ensure that it not only is beneficial to Malaysians but mirrors Malaysian values.
He said this after launching the AIGE here today (Sept 20), with Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Chang Lih Kang and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
“It is important to apply the AIGE to ensure that there is transparency and accountability at every level of development of the usage of AI as proof of the government’s commitment to further build the trust of the public towards this technology.
“We must ensure that all decisions taken by an AI system are based on accurate data and free of bias which will corrode justice and fairness.
“These guidelines also stress privacy and personal data protection of users, as data is now a valuable commodity. We must ensure that the rights to privacy of all individuals are always respected and protected, including how data is collected, stored and used by the AI system,” said Fadillah.
He cautioned the need for the government to be wary of the social and economic implications of AI which may replace manpower and increase unemployment.
“It is important to educate the younger generations on the potential and risks of AI. Early education on ethics in technology should be made part of the education curriculum to enable children to grow up technology-literate and responsible in the usage of technology,” said Fadillah.
Chang said that the AIGE cannot be imposed on private sectors but the code of ethics will be the first step towards enacting better legislations to enable private sectors too to abide by such ethics.
“The AIGE is not a law per se, but a guideline. We hope that some parts of the guidelines can be taken up as law but this (process) will take time. Before we move to enacting legislation (based on these guidelines), we hope AIGE can be made a reference by all AI industry players to enable them to comply and discipline themselves.
“The current laws are enough to curb scams and as such but AI is advancing very quickly and we need a reference to make sure that everyone abides by a set of guidelines - this is the start of a process. Just like teaching children morals but we cannot enforce everything that we teach them,” said Chang.
He said that he would discuss with the Education Ministry to incorporate these guidelines in school curriculums, as it is important for children to understand the ethics of AI.
Chang said the AIGE is a living document which will be updated in line with technology advancement.
Earlier in his speech, Chang stated that the market value of AI in Malaysia this year is projected to reach RM1.5bil, with JP Morgan Research predicting the Gross Domestic Product of the world economy to expand by 10% in the next few years, around US$7-10 trillion.
He further stated that the worry of unethical AI usage is in the spreading of fake news especially which uses deepfakes, impersonation of identities, fakery and manipulation of national sensitive data.
“The AIGE code of ethics is developed especially for the application and reference of three main groups - users, policymakers and those who offer the technology.
At the same event, Digital Minister Gobind said that AI has the potential to generate US$113.4bil to the country’s economy.
He said that AIGE is another government effort to further strengthen the existing legislation which deals with data usage and technology such as the Cybersecurity Act 2024, Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and the proposed Omnibus Bill.
“AIGE will play an important role when the NAIO under the MyDigital Corporation begins operating this November, to build an ecosystem for AI in the country’s digital transformation.
“The Digital Ministry will also form a Malaysian Data Commission to ensure effective data management and protection, in line with the trend of setting up of data development centres and investments of companies such as AWS, Google, ByteDance, Nvidia, Microsoft and Vantage,” said Gobind.
