The federal government is seeking feedback on mitigating potential risks of using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and how to build a secure framework for their use amid growing global concerns that machine learning is considered a potential threat. seen for humanity.

Science and Industry Minister Ed Husic released two discussion papers on AI this week as the responsible use debate grows, saying the government is taking additional steps to ensure the growth of AI in Australia is ethical.

From the government Safe and responsible AI in Australia Discussion paper examines existing regulatory and governance responses in Australia and beyond, identifying potential gaps and proposing different options to strengthen the framework for the safe and responsible use of AI.

The second discussion paper from the National Science and Technology Council, Rapid Response Report: Generative AI assesses potential risks and opportunities related to AI and provides a scientific basis for discussions about the way forward.

“Using AI safely and responsibly is a balancing act that the entire world is currently grappling with,” said Husic.

“The benefit is huge, whether it’s fighting superbugs with new AI-developed antibiotics or preventing online fraud. But as I have been saying for many years, there must be appropriate safeguards to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.

“Today is about what we do next to build public trust and confidence in these critical technologies.”

The government already believes in the potential of AI, with a $41 million budget for better adoption of its use in business.

But the emerging technology faces an uphill battle for support, with only a third of Australians currently willing to trust AI.

However, Simon Bush, CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), warned that strict regulation applied separately from industry stifles innovation.

“We believe that for many existing AI use cases in industries such as transportation and health, self-adopted frameworks can be effective in managing adoption of such technologies,” he said.

“We see best-practice guardrails evolving through collaborations between academics and industry leaders. The government should support this work and involve industry in possible regulatory frameworks.”

The AIIA has recently been Navigating AI Report: A Guide to AI Use and Adoption to help organizations navigate the responsible and legal adoption, development and use of AI, without hindering innovation.

Bush said generative AI could have transformative industrial and societal benefits.

“However, it also brings regulatory and social challenges, which we accept. Ultimately, the government needs to develop its own frameworks around the adoption and use of AI, and we urge the government to consider more support for this work to implement guidelines for AI adoption, and to develop an AI Registry to enable transparency and create bias or harm where AI is used, without creating roadblocks to the growth of the industry,” he said.

Entries for both are now open until July 26 papers and details are available here.