Given the recent rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) announced that it has become an official partner of an international non-governmental organisation to ensure the alignment of AI applications with the interests of the public and to develop the necessary application services for society.
As a member of the “Alignment Assemblies” project, moda’s global and public objectives are to assist Taiwan in building public consensus regarding the needs and risks of AI and to collectively address the “Alignment Problem” of AI.
Beginning in July of this year, the moda intends to influence the direction of AI development through Ideathons, employing a citizen participation and deliberation model and using Taiwan as a test bed.
The moda emphasised that the international non-governmental organisation supports the technology that incorporates social development, industrial advancement, and public confidence. It believes that the development of AI should prioritise ethics and the public interest.
During the Democratic Summit in March of this year, the moda, led by Minister Audrey Tang, launched this initiative to create a global consensus among people and ensure the alignment of AI with human values. By participating in this initiative, the moda hopes to promote digital democracy and global partnerships while fostering a diverse and inclusive digital culture for the development of AI in Taiwan.
The moda announced that it will initiate the “Democratising AI Futures” dialogue through Ideathons and invite public participation in the third quarter of this year as well as organise seminars to discuss how to respond to the development of generative AI.
Minister Audrey explained that AI has brought about profound social changes and that issues such as algorithms, intellectual property, technological ethics, public services, and social impact have garnered significant attention, posing new challenges to democratic governance.
In response to the social concerns raised by the trend of generative AI, moda is actively drafting the “Basic Law on Artificial Intelligence.” The moda also expects that policymakers and technology developers will have access to vital information to ensure that the development of AI serves the public interest.
In the fast-changing technological world, fostering consensus on the requirements and hazards associated with AI is essential. As AI continues to evolve and permeate numerous elements, it is critical to ensure that its development and deployment are in line with the interests and values of society.
Building consensus allows for the identification and prioritisation of ethical considerations in AI development. It enables stakeholders to address possible issues such as bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement cooperatively, as well as cooperate towards developing AI systems that adhere to ethical norms and protect human rights.
Also, achieving consensus on AI enables policymakers to make educated decisions when developing legislation and policies. Policymakers may establish comprehensive frameworks that balance innovation, social demands, and possible risks connected with AI technology by considering the different perspectives and concerns of the public.
Building consensus aids in the establishment of public trust and acceptance of AI systems. When the public participates in AI debates and decision-making processes, people feel more empowered and are more inclined to trust and adopt AI applications that are consistent with their values and meet their requirements.
Consensus-building aids in resolving biases and guaranteeing fairness in AI algorithms and systems. Potential biases can be recognised and minimised by integrating a diverse variety of stakeholders, including marginalised populations and underrepresented groups, resulting in more equal opportunities in AI systems.