Government to use existing laws, regulations to manage risk
Dr Shane Reti – science, innovation, and technology minister – has announced the launch of New Zealand’s inaugural artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, which seeks to signal strongly that the country supports the adoption of the technology.
In a news release from the government, Reti said the country’s first AI strategy commits to establishing a regulatory environment that enables businesses to invest confidently in AI technologies.
“New Zealand’s strength lies in being smart adopters,” Reti said in the news release. “From AI-powered precision farming techniques to diagnostic technology in healthcare, Kiwi businesses can tailor AI to solve our unique challenges and deliver world-leading solutions.”
According to the government’s news release, the AI strategy aligns with the AI principles of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and aims to drive productivity, competition, and economic growth.
In the news release, Reti said adoption and innovation of AI technologies within the private sector will help unlock novel products and services and improve efficiency and decision-making.
Reti estimated that AI could increase New Zealand’s gross domestic product by $76bn to New Zealand by 2038. However, Reti noted the country’s slow progress in planning for the technology compared with the AI readiness of other small yet advanced economies.
Reti explained that, using a light-touch approach, the government seeks to address the barriers to adopting AI, promote the responsible implementation of such technologies, and give clear regulatory guidance.
In the news release, the government said it planned to keep working with its international partners on developing global guidelines to enable responsible AI use and development.
The government added that it intended to keep using the existing legislation and regulations applicable to privacy, consumer protection, and human rights in managing risk and privacy concerns arising from AI adoption.
In the news release, the government announced the release of responsible AI guidance for businesses as a partner product to the new AI strategy. Reti said the guidance aims to help organisations appropriately utilise, develop, and innovate with AI technologies.
The guidance covers:
Those interested can check out the new AI strategy and responsible AI guidance on the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment’s (MBIE) website.
An insight posted on New Zealand law firm Buddle Findlay’s website noted that the country has not introduced AI-specific legislation and has no apparent plans to propose legislative amendments due to the AI strategy.