Australia plans to regulate AI, considering banning deepfake content for abuse
Australia announced on Thursday that it plans to regulate artificial intelligence, including possible bans on fake products and factual but false content, because the technology can be misused.
The move followed a meeting of AI leaders earlier this week in which they highlighted the “extinction risk posed by fakery” and urged policymakers to equate it to the risks posed by pandemics and nuclear war.
“Society is clearly concerned about technology getting ahead of itself,” Industry and Science Minister Ed Heusk told ABC Television.
A report released Thursday by Australia’s National Science and Technology Council showed that AI-generated content can be misused in parliamentary hearings by creating a flood of requests to mislead the public.
“Governments have had a clear role in identifying risks and … setting limits,” Heusk said.
Australia was among the first countries to regulate AI, announcing a voluntary ethical framework in 2018.
Acknowledging that there are loopholes in copyright, privacy and consumer protection laws, Hosek said the government wants to ensure its legal framework is “fit for purpose” due to the rapid development of the AI sector.
Last month, European lawmakers came close to passing a law regulating artificial intelligence. It is possibly the world’s first comprehensive AI law, which could set a precedent among advanced economies.
Heusk said Australia would also consider banning high-risk parts of AI if there is strong demand for them in public consultations to draft new laws.
