AI Basic Act passed, tries to balance AI promotion with social welfare

Taipei, Dec. 23 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan has passed a new law that lays down principles on how artificial intelligence (AI) will be governed in Taiwan and designated the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) as the governing authority for AI.

Under the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act, passed Tuesday, the government is required to promote AI research and applications while also prioritizing social welfare, digital equity, innovation and national competitiveness.

The basic act stipulates that AI development adhere to seven core principles: sustainability and well-being, human autonomy, privacy and data governance, cybersecurity and safety, transparency and explainability, fairness and non-discrimination, and accountability.

To mitigate risks, the act stipulates that AI applications must not harm people's lives, freedom or property, nor undermine social order, national security or the environment, or involve bias, discrimination, false advertising, misinformation or fabrication.

Though the Basic Act did not offer any provisions detailing how the principles are to be enforced or carried out, it designated the NSTC as the competent authority for AI in Taiwan.

The provision was adopted with the support of opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party lawmakers over the objections of ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers, who are in the minority in the current Legislative Yuan.

They objected to the provision because basic laws traditionally do not specify a competent authority.

The law also requires the Executive Yuan to establish a national AI strategy committee, chaired by the premier and comprising scholars, industry representatives, agency heads and local government leaders, to formulate national AI development guidelines.

The committee must meet at least once a year, with administrative support handled by the NSTC.

Beyond those principles, the new act calls on the government to allocate funding within its fiscal capacity for AI research, applications and infrastructure, and to provide assistance and subsidies for AI development, training, testing and validation.

Also called for are data openness and personal data protection measures, risk-based AI management that follows international standards, and safeguards for labor rights, including the re-training of workers and employment assistance for those displaced by AI.