Taiwan drafts AI law focusing on human rights

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a significant move towards regulating artificial intelligence (AI), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced on Tuesday (June 11) that the draft of the Artificial Intelligence Fundamental Act (AI基本法草案) is underway. Emphasizing human autonomy, Cho stated that the use of AI must not infringe on human rights or disrupt social stability, underscoring the government's commitment to ethical AI development.

Legislative Progress and Industry Support

The announcement came in response to concerns raised by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶) regarding the progress of the AI legislation. Wu urged the government to expedite the process, highlighting the need for Taiwan to bolster its competitive edge in the global AI industry. She emphasized the government's role in backing the industry and expressed anticipation for the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to present the draft by October, as promised.

Balancing Privacy, Rights, and Development
NSTC Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) had previously noted on May 23 the urgency of introducing the AI legislation to the Executive Yuan by the end of October. Acknowledging the dual nature of rapidly evolving AI technologies, he stressed the importance of safeguarding user privacy and human rights while also fostering industrial growth. The drafting of the AI Fundamental Act aims to strike a balance between these critical aspects, ensuring Taiwan's AI sector thrives in a manner that is both innovative and responsible.

As Taiwan positions itself at the forefront of AI regulation, the forthcoming AI Fundamental Act represents a pivotal step in ensuring the technology's ethical use and its harmonious integration into society. The government's proactive approach signals a commitment to upholding human dignity while embracing the opportunities AI presents.