PUTRAJAYA: To put a stop to comments like it “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, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the code of ethics, known as the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics Guidelines (AIGE), is a framework for setting parameters for AI users and also serves as a regulatory measure for responsible development and adoption of AI technology.
The government will also start a National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) in November and the formation of a Data Commission is in the works.
Fadillah said this after launching the AIGE here yesterday with Science, Technology and Innovation 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 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,” Fadillah said.
He cautioned the need for the government to be wary of the social and economic implications of AI which could replace manpower and increase unemployment.
“It is important to educate the younger generation on the potentials and risks of AI.
“Early education on ethics in technology should be made part of the education curriculum to enable children to be technology-literate and responsible in the usage of technology,” Fadillah said.
Chang said while AIGE would not be imposed on the private sector, it would be the first step towards enacting legislation in the space.
“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 enact legislation, 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, 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, we cannot enforce everything that we teach,” Chang said.
He said that he would discuss with the Education Ministry to incorporate these guidelines in school curriculums as children need to understand the ethics of AI.
He added that the AIGE would be updated in line with technological advancements.
Earlier in his speech, Chang said the market value of AI in Malaysia this year was projected to reach RM1.5bil, with JP Morgan Research predicting the Gross Domestic Product of the world economy to expand by 10% – between US$7 trillion and US$10 trillion – over the next few years.
He added that the worry of unethical AI usage was in the spreading of fake news especially – which uses deepfakes, impersonation of identities, fakery and manipulation of 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.
Gobind said that AI had the potential to generate US$113.4bil (RM477bil) to the country’s economy.
He pointed out that AIGE was another government effort to further strengthen existing legislation dealing 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 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 data development centres and investments of companies such as AWS, Google, ByteDance, Nvidia, Microsoft and Vantage,” Gobind said.
