Today's Productivity Commission report describes what AI policy would look like if only big business is listened to. It's a real missed opportunity for a balanced and nuanced analysis of the threats and opportunities posed by new technology.
Greens Senator and Digital Rights Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:
"The commission is using overly optimistic financial projections to dodge proper AI rules and kill off basic digital protections.
"The extraordinary power of international tech companies is real, and that's an even more important reason to not let them dictate law in this country.
"The Commission's anti-regulation push reads like the corporate wish list of Amazon, Google and Apple. It flies in the face of unions and creatives fighting for workers' rights.
"This hands-off approach would green light AI systems to continue to rip off creators and spy on individuals.
"Australia is becoming AI's wild west while Europe, Canada and the UK build proper AI laws.
"People want to be able to say no to their personal information being used in training AIs, yet this report says their consent is less important than corporate profits. That is not thought leadership.
"Saying the right to be forgotten is too expensive in Australia is irresponsible and treats our citizens as second class citizens when around the world such laws are not only possible and affordable, they are already in place.
"The creation of a more ethical and safer AI industry in Australia is possible and if we take up this challenge it could give us a unique advantage in a global market that is enticed by short-term profits without social licence.
"This report confirms the Greens' position that a stand alone AI Act is needed with an AI Safety Commission to manage and regulate emerging risks. Leaving this critical sector to existing regulators and agencies like the Productivity Commission is already failing Australians.
