Australia launches Responsible AI Network

CANBERRA, March 16: (Xinhua) — The Australian government has launched a “world-first” network to help companies use and create artificial intelligence (AI) ethically and safely. Ed Husic, the Minister for Industry and Science, on Thursday announced the Responsible AI Network at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization’s (CSIRO) National AI Center (NAIC).

The network, which is centered around six core pillars: Law, Standards, Principles, Governance, Leadership, and Technology, will help businesses capitalize on the opportunities presented by emerging AI technologies. According to the CSIRO, AI is expected to be worth 22.17 trillion Australian dollars (14.7 trillion U.S. dollars) to the global economy by 2030. Stela Solar, director of the NAIC, said that poorly-developed AI solutions could have major consequences including ethical issues and data breaches.

“No country in the world has yet worked out responsible AI, but Australia is taking a big step forward by collaborating across the ecosystem to share best practice and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape,” she said in a media release. “The Responsible AI Network provides a unique offering: practical guidance and coaching from experts on law, standards, principles, governance, leadership and technology to ensure explainability, fairness and accountability are built into Australian AI systems.”

The launch comes two days after the NAIC published a report on AI adoption by businesses. The survey of 200 business decision makers and AI service providers found that businesses generated an average of 361,315 Australian dollars (240,000 U.S. dollars) in additional revenue from each AI initiative they implemented. The same report highlighted the importance of a responsible approach to AI, calling on business leaders to take accountability for their systems. —