HTI’s Edward Santow has been appointed to the new Artificial Intelligence Expert Group by the Federal Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic.
This Group – with expertise in law, technology and ethics – is advising the Department of Industry, Science and Resources on the reform needed to ensure that AI in Australia is safe, trustworthy and reliable. This is the next step in the Government’s process to develop guardrails for the use of AI following the release of its interim response to the Safe and Responsible AI Consultation Paper.
“I’m proud to join this group, and I look forward to contributing to positive reform that enables Australia to seize the undoubted opportunities presented by AI, while guarding against the risks of harm,” Prof Santow said.
As a human rights lawyer, I’ve seen how AI can both help and harm. The best way forward is to anchor our AI approach on the needs of people - the basic rights and dignity of our community should be the primary focus when designing, using and regulating AI. - Prof Ed Santow
Prof Santow also urged the Government to consider the perspectives of others outside the AI Expert Group when developing its approach to the regulation of AI.
“Good reform is never just the domain of technical experts. AI affects all sectors and every individual, and so the Government will need to work hard to ensure that civil society, the community at large and business all have the opportunity to contribute to this very significant reform process.”