However, the proposed AI laws have been criticized by activists and tech industry leaders for either not doing enough to protect people's rights or for imposing too much red tape around innovation. Over 30 civil society organizations and experts have raised concerns that the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), part of bill C-27, fails to adequately protect citizens' rights and freedoms. In response to these concerns, the Minister announced that further amendments to the bill will be made.
Key takeaways:
- Canada is aiming to be the first country with official regulations for the emerging artificial intelligence sector, according to François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
- The country has introduced a voluntary AI code of conduct for major Canadian AI companies, with the aim of building trust while national legislation is developed.
- Bill C-27, also known as the Digital Charter Implementation Act, has been introduced to modernize privacy laws and establish regulations around AI usage. The bill also proposes a new federal Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) for accountability and ethical development of AI technologies.
- However, the proposed AI laws and the voluntary code of conduct have been criticized by some activists and tech industry leaders for either not doing enough to protect people’s rights, or for imposing too much red tape around innovation.