Where should NZ stand on global AI risk? 3 principles to guide a stronger strategy

Getty Images If some current warnings are to be believed, artificial intelligence may be the human invention that outwits its creators.

Understandably, there are now global calls to regulate the technology.

At the current gathering of the United Nations General Assembly, 20 nations (including Australia and Canada) are calling for increased oversight of advanced AI systems.

New Zealand – along with the United States and China, which dominate the global AI industry – did not join the initiative.

According to the MIT AI Risk Initiative , incidents of concern are on the rise rapidly.

Overall, the global AI industry is raising profound questions about ethics, economy, equity and security.

While there is disagreement between those warning of a potential doomsday scenario and others who take a more benign view of AI’s likely trajectory, investment in the industry is forecast to exceed US$1 trillion this year .

Little wonder the preliminary report of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI found “the gap between rapidly improving capabilities and effective risk management methods may lead to catastrophic outcomes”.

At the same time, the claimed economic benefits of AI often take precedence.

Fearing losing the advantage to China, US President Donald Trump has called safety fears a “ hoax ” and rejected calls for global regulation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has argued the opportunities still outweigh the risks.

If there are concerns, he says, they are best dealt with in concert with “like-minded friends”.

This optimism is reflected in the government’s “‘ light touch approach ” to regulation which avoids new laws. (It might also explain New Zealand ranking 32nd out of 45 high-income countries in the Global Index on Responsible AI .) Conversely, the Labour opposition has promised to establish an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate policy across government.

It would work with Australia to align regional standards on safety and security.