TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's legislature, the Legislative Yuan (立法院), passed the Taiwan's first AI law, the Artificial Intelligence Basic Law (人工智慧基本法) on Tuesday (Dec. 23), marking a significant step forward in regulating AI technology. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) spearheaded the legislation, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate the development of legal frameworks to address systemic industry challenges. The law mandates clear labeling for high-risk AI applications, aiming to safeguard public interests and enhance international competitiveness.
The National Science and Technology Council (國科會) will oversee the implementation of the new law, which took effect immediately. The law requires the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, to establish a National AI Strategy Special Committee (國家人工智慧戰略特別委員會) that convenes at least once a year to review the nation's AI development guidelines. This initiative aims to promote the AI industry, protect citizens' rights, and build a smart nation.
The legislation highlights Taiwan's indispensable role in the global AI supply chain, with Ko stating that without Taiwan's chips and engineers, the current and future state of global AI would be unattainable. He called for bipartisan support to ensure Taiwan's AI landscape flourishes beyond its "protective mountain range," envisioning a "smart blue sky" of innovation. Ko also pointed out the need for regulatory clarity to advance autonomous driving and AI blockchain innovations.
Ko reiterated that passing the AI Basic Law is merely the beginning. He vowed to continue advocating for AI-related legal frameworks, positioning Taiwan as a leader in AI governance. Ko urged all political parties to collaborate in shaping a future where humans and machines coexist harmoniously, benefiting both Taiwan and the world.
