The Greens have today announced that Senator Shoebridge will be the party's spokesperson on Digital Rights and AI. This move recognises the dramatic impact of Artificial Intelligence on our society and the need for informed, evidence-based responses that uphold human values against the march of profiteering billionaires.
As stated by Greens Spokesperson for Digital Rights and AI Senator David Shoebridge:
"The Greens recognise this technology is having hugely significant impacts in Australia and needs a dedicated and focused policy response.
"Currently responsibility for regulating AI is spread across Government and a mosh mash of legislation that has led to an incoherent and slow response to the challenges and opportunities of the technology.
"Australia should have a Minister for AI and an AI Act to urgently shape how AI operates in our society, and put protecting people and the planet before big tech profits.
"US billionaire-controlled AI poses real risks to communities and to Australian economic and social independence and autonomy.
"The Greens believe it is time for the Commonwealth to press for ethical, Australian owned and controlled, AI to push back against US dominance.
"Right now every layer of the AI stack in this country runs on foreign-controlled infrastructure with Australians supplying the land, energy and water and missing out on the profits and control.
"This week we will be looking to see if the proposed Duty of Care adequately addresses the risks posed by AI chatbots and agents including encouraging extremism and risky behaviour. Unless these reforms tackle AI then they will not meet the moment."
