Yesterday, the Human Technology Institute (HTI) at the UTS participated in the launch of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network as a knowledge partner.
AI is expected to be worth $22.17 trillion to the global economy by 2030. However, while AI systems present significant opportunities for economic growth and social benefit, poorly developed AI solutions can have serious and very real consequences for individuals and groups, ranging from data and privacy breaches to discrimination, manipulation and irreparable harm. Furthermore, technologies such as AI can replicate and entrench existing inequalities, with the costs of system failures being borne by those least able to afford them.
Ensuring that AI delivers on its promise to the Australian economy and our society requires much more than aspirational ethical principles. Policy makers and regulators need to ensure that legal protections relating to AI are clear, up-to-date and vigorously enforced. Organisations across all sectors that are deploying AI systems urgently need support to develop and implement the strategies, tools, internal policies and fit-for-purpose governance systems required to manage AI-related regulatory, reputational and commercial risks.
The creation of the Responsible AI Network is an important step in supporting industry to achieve these goals and practically manage AI systems in ways that create sustainable value. The network's launch was announced by Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, and the National AI Centre, co-ordinated by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. The Responsible AI Network's inaugural knowledge partners include the Australian Industry Group, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), CEDA, CSIRO's Data61, Standards Australia, The Ethics Centre, The Gradient Institute, The Human Technology Institute, and the Tech Council of Australia.
As a knowledge partner, HTI will collaborate with other network members, develop practical and insightful content and contribute expertise to help Australian businesses to uplift their practice of responsible AI, part of a national community of practice with best practice guidance, tools, and learning modules. The Responsible AI Network is centred around six core pillars: Law, Standards, Principles, Governance, Leadership, and Technology. The network aims to provide practical guidance across the six pillars to help companies practically and effectively govern AI systems, embedding and making real principles such as explainability, fairness, inclusiveness and accountability throughout AI systems.
This pivotal moment is not about the what or the why, it’s about the how. It’s no longer about developing ethics principles. It’s all about how organizations can put in place really practical strategies and tools to manage the regulatory, reputational and commercial risks that AI systems pose. And it’s about ensuring our laws are clearly expressed and vigorously enforced to keep us all safe.
Professor Nicholas Davis, Co-Director of HTI at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) Network launch
For more information about the Responsible AI Centre, please see: https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/industries/technology/National-AI-Centre/Responsible-AI-Network