By Johan Steyn, 21 August 2024
Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2024-08-21-johan-steyn-new-ai-policy-framework-seeks-industry-input/
The communications and digital technologies department has released a national policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and is seeking feedback from the information and communication technology (ICT) business sector and other important groups.
This marks a turning point in SA’s approach to AI. The government is working to determine how to ensure that the technology is used appropriately and effectively across various sectors of society.
The goal of the national AI policy framework is to use AI in a way that is both moral and forward-looking in the country’s business and society. As AI keeps changing quickly, it gives our nation a chance to boost economic growth, improve public services and improve people's lives in ways that have never been possible.
The plan is the first step in a process that will lead to a complete policy that will govern how AI is used across the country. AI is seen as a general-purpose technology that can change industries and societies, just like electricity and the internet did before. To fully use AI’s potential, the framework focuses on creating a strong environment that encourages everyone to use technology, helps the economy grow, and push society forward.
The policy is based on the idea that AI’s benefits should be shared widely, while the risks such as job loss, privacy issues, and moral dilemmas should be managed. The framework emphasises openness, responsibility and fairness, ensuring that AI development fits our nation’s social norms and encourages a focus on people.
The policy-making process follows a continuous cycle of ideation, adoption, implementation and monitoring. This ensures that the policies are well considered and adaptable to the fast-evolving nature of this technology. The framework recognises AI’s potential to drive economic transformation in SA by boosting productivity, fostering innovation and creating new industries. However, it also addresses challenges like inequality, the digital divide and ethical concerns.
One of the most important things about the framework is that it focuses on sector-specific tactics. By giving broad guidelines, the framework makes it possible to create customised methods that use AI’s abilities to solve the specific problems that different businesses face. This focus on sectors makes sure that AI applications are not only useful but fair. This creates a more open digital market that is good for the entire country.
The framework approaches the problem statement from the point of view of the future, taking into account new technologies, hopes for economic and social change, and the past problems that still affect our nation today. It talks about the problems caused by past injustices, the digital divide and institutions that don’t want to change, but it also talks about the chances AI gives for growth in society and the economy.
The effectiveness of the framework hinges on its ability to balance various factors. Strategic investments in education, digital infrastructure and regulatory reforms are essential to ensure that AI benefits everyone. The framework’s pillars — talent development, digital infrastructure, research, ethical AI and public sector implementation — aim to guide the responsible and transparent use of AI.
More than just regulations, the framework serves as a strategic road map for SA’s digital future, integrating AI with ICT to drive economic growth, social development and digital transformation, ultimately positioning the country as a global leader in AI innovation.
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