Consideration to Formulate Regulations Binding on Artificial Intelligence Systems Deployed Locally
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns a query by Mr Leon Perera regarding whether the Government intends to formulate binding regulations for locally deployed artificial intelligence (AI) systems to ensure ethical and safe use. Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran stated that there are no immediate plans for new laws as AI is nascent, though initiatives like the Model AI Governance Framework and the Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data have been launched. He highlighted that organizations must already comply with existing regulations concerning safety, data protection, and fair competition when using AI technology. Additionally, the Personal Data Protection Commission collaborates with sectoral regulators to provide guidance, such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s principles for fairness and transparency. The Ministry will continue monitoring global developments to ensure the regulatory approach safeguards public confidence while allowing data-driven innovation to thrive in the Digital Economy.
Transcript
4 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Government is considering formulating regulations binding on artificial intelligence (AI) systems deployed locally so as to ensure the ethical and safe use of AI.
Mr S Iswaran: As AI technology is still nascent, MCI does not have immediate plans to introduce new laws to regulate AI.
However, MCI has launched several initiatives to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI, and to promote consumer trust and innovation. These include:
(a) A Model AI Governance Framework ("Model Framework") which translates ethical AI principles into practical steps to guide organisations' responsible adoption of AI;
(b) An Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data, which provides guidance to manage legal, ethical and sustainability risks; and
(c) A Research Programme on the Governance of AI and Data Use, which examines ethical and legal issues arising from the development and use of AI.
The Personal Data Protection Commission ("PDPC") also works with sectoral regulators such as MAS on sector-specific guidance (i.e. MAS' Fairness, Ethics, Accountability and Transparency ("FEAT") principles)1 that is in line with PDPC's Model Framework.
Organisations are also required to comply with relevant laws and regulations when deploying AI technology such as those pertaining to safety, data protection and fair competition.
MCI and PDPC will continue to monitor global developments, and ensure that our regulatory approach safeguards individuals' interests and preserves public confidence in AI, while enabling data-driven innovation to thrive in the Digital Economy.