AI is about to reshape society. The Prime Minister’s promise of protections and benefits for all offers some hope that the changes won’t be all bad. Photo: File.
Australia is at a pivotal point in its uptake of artificial intelligence, and what the government does now will shape society for generations to come.
Anthony Albanese appears to recognise the critical nature of this juncture, even if he had to be dragged to his current position.
Until now, everything uttered by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet on the topic has been about the opportunities the new technology offers this country.
The talk has almost solely been about the “opportunities” for the nation from big tech data companies setting up camp in Australia.
But the PM’s landmark speech last week suggests he is finally willing to accept that some risks must be addressed and genuine concerns quelled.
The AI revolution is here whether we like it or not (and many don’t), so all policy development around it needs to prioritise how it will work for Australians and not work against them.
There is distrust over AI because it has the potential to threaten jobs, harm the environment and steal ownership of original work.
The name of the technology says it all – it’s artificial.
In the face of this brave new world, the government to date has been keen to emphasise the potential for AI to create jobs and attract huge investment.
Getting in on the ground floor and capturing investment before it goes elsewhere has been the focus of the government’s argument.
Unconvinced, unions, creatives, environmentalists and the average Joe have been telling the PM to take their concerns more seriously.
AI developers have brazenly been stealing creative works without regard; big employers have introduced AI into workplaces without transparency; and the technology is already being used to justify slashing jobs.
As ACTU secretary Sally McManus put it: “Australians don’t trust AI because of the lack of clear benefit for working people. We have had big promises, but so far, no guarantee that any benefits will be shared with workers. Unions don’t want to veto technology use, only to veto the harm it could cause.”
That’s just from the workers’ perspective. Other concerns have been raised across the community.
Artists, musicians and authors stand aghast over the thought that their work can be stolen (and already is in some cases) for AI training without any recognition or recompense.
The environmental impact of huge data centres popping up all over the landscape and sucking up energy supplies is another issue.
So too are the concerns over frontline government services – with the horrors of Robodebt and the tragic results of automated decision-making still looming large.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has listened to concerns and is implementing genuine AI safeguards and rules. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Albanese’s speech last week, at face value, has gone some way to allaying some of these collective concerns.
Make no mistake, attracting AI investment to and in Australia is still the Federal Government’s priority, but some serious safeguards are now being mooted.
An artificial intelligence framework, which the PM says is “world-leading”, aiming to capture the opportunity, share the benefits and keep Australians safe, is being put in place.
New standards will set out clear rules for large data centres, including a legal obligation to underwrite their own new power supply, pay their full share of connection costs, and be water efficient.
The “appropriate locations” of data centres will be decided through consultations with state and territory governments and local communities.
The PM added that his approach will ensure Australian writers, artists and journalists retain ownership over their work, “meaning no company should use Australian creative works to train AI without the artist’s control”.
Consumer safety priorities are being developed to ban predatory price practices in the use of AI.
That is, retail surveillance through the farming of consumer data and setting different prices for individual consumers based on their behaviour.
And all government departments will be subject to new rules over the use of AI in their decision-making processes.
This and much more will be managed through the newly established Office of AI within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, to ensure a coordinated whole-of-government approach.
The PM’s newfound talk is good. But talk is cheap.
Australians want to see these promises result in defined and measurable outcomes.
There must be positive outcomes that clearly show the benefits of AI to workers, creatives and all Australians, and not just to big tech, big business and big government.
It’s over to you Albo – then it’s over to the voting public at the next election.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
