The government has confirmed it will take a “light touch” approach to regulating artificial intelligence, while acknowledging widespread concern in the community about the technology.
Judith Collins
The Office of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Judith Collins KC, has proactively released a cabinet paper setting out its approach to AI.
The paper maintains the stance outlined by Collins to LawNews last month that standalone legislation to control AI is not needed.
“We need to state our support for increased uptake of AI in New Zealand and be clear that we will take a light-touch, proportionate and risk-based approach to AI regulation,” the paper says.
“This will provide reassurance and spur development and use of AI in New Zealand.
“We already have laws that provide some guardrails; further regulatory intervention should be considered only to unlock innovation or address acute risks and use existing mechanisms in preference to developing a standalone AI Act.”
The paper notes that a survey conducted last year by research firm Verian found two-thirds of New Zealanders were “extremely or very concerned” that AI could be used for malicious purposes and have unintended consequences that cause harm to people.
It also found there was a low level of public trust in companies using AI.
The paper says an AI work program will be presented to Cabinet in September and its progress will be reviewed in mid 2025.
The program includes developing a framework to encourage responsible AI use in the public service, supporting uptakeof AI in the private sector and prioritising New Zealand’s engagement in international AI initiatives.
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