Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1172208
OPINION 26 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 Focus of Malta's National AI Strategy Over the last year, the Malta.AI Taskforce and its working groups have worked hard to develop a strategy that maps the path for the country to gain a strategic global position in the AI field. It aims to generate invest- ment and position the coun- try as a hub for AI application and niche areas of research and development, supported by a vibrant start-up commu- nity. The overall vision is to make Malta a model nation, where AI policy has a posi- tive impact on citizens and business. The strategy is wide-rang- ing, looking at the impacts of AI both commercially and socially, as well as the areas of opportunity and the risks deserving of special consider- ation. It also explores how AI can be deployed widely across government operations to improve citizens' experiences, expand access to public services, and directly improve citizens' wellbeing. It includes measures to promote pri- vate sector AI adoption and focusses significant attention on educational and workforce considerations, which aim to better prepare our cur- rent and future generations to prosper in a digital world which will be increasingly defined by automation. A wide-ranging consultation process National consultation was central to the development of the strategy. In March 2019, the Malta.AI Taskforce launched an initial high-level policy document for public consultation entitled "Malta: Towards an AI Strategy". Interested experts, members of the public, academia and businesses were invited to provide feedback on the areas of focus. The same day saw the organisation of a well- attended public workshop to elaborate on the policy proposals and engage with Maltese citizens and busi- nesses. Over the subsequent months, several consultation meetings, focus groups and workshops were organised with interested stakeholders to discuss the proposed poli- cy measures, and co-develop the strategy's individual ac- tion items and pilot projects which will be undertaken over the coming three years. AI ethics, legal and certification matters In early August 2019 a com- prehensive ethical framework titled 'Malta: Towards Trust- worthy AI' was subsequently released as an additional standalone document for public consultation. A common observation amongst the external feed- back received was that an ethical framework should not replace a legislative frame- work, particularly when it comes to technologies such as AI. The taskforce and work- ing group would like to im- mediately clarify that this was never the intention, as clearly stated in the document. Many observed that ethical principles, in addition to not being directly enforceable in the manner that law is, are ultimately subjective and influenced to some extent by the societal beliefs of the person who is being subjected to them. Law, on the other hand, is generally less subjec- tive and more absolute, and hence should be given due focus where AI is concerned. The taskforce agrees with those who contend that any upcoming AI-related legis- lation should treat AI as a technology being applied in various sectors, each with their own unique legal and regulatory concerns. In this way, AI-related legislation is more likely to be sector spe- cific. Nonetheless, a number of such concerns will be com- mon across all sectors, and this may give rise to certain pieces of AI-specific legisla- tion in its own right. The AI strategy will in- clude provisions for the appointment of a Technology Regulation Advisory Com- mittee. The committee will have the remit to advise on local laws and regulations that may need to change in order to keep pace with technology and developments at European and global level. To address various com- ments received in this regard, the committee will review, amongst other matters: issues relating to privacy and per- sonal data, intellectual prop- erty, antitrust, security, and the creation of a regulatory sandbox which will which will seek to provide regulatory exemptions to enable firms to explore and test innovative concepts and solutions with proportionate safeguards, in a contained environment for a well-defined duration. The li- ability frameworks surround- ing the use and development of AI will also feature promi- nently on the Committee's agenda. Moving forward Malta intends to continue its strong tradition of being an innovator and first mover in the space of innovative technologies. The Malta Digital Innovation Author- ity (MDIA) is therefore in the process of creating the world's first national AI Certification Programme, which will largely be based on Malta's Ethical AI Framework and its underlying control framework and provide applicants with valuable rec- ognition in the marketplace that their AI systems have been developed in an ethi- cally aligned, transparent and socially responsible manner. The ambition is to create the right frameworks to help trustworthy AI springboard from Malta to the world, in line with Malta's vision to become the ultimate AI launchpad. On a final note, the Malta. AI Taskforce would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contrib- uted and provided viewpoints in relation to work carried out to date. The Taskforce looks forward to the public and business community's support in undertaking the initiatives set out in Malta's AI Strategy over the com- ing three years. The inten- tion is to lay the foundations for Malta, its citizens and workforce to prosper in this new era, whilst appropriately managing the potential risks. The overall vision is to make Malta a model nation, where AI policy has a positive impact on citizens and business Mapping Malta's path to thrive in an era of Artificial Intelligence Wayne Grixti & Jackie Mallia Wayne Grixti and Dr Jackie Mallia are Chairman and member of the Malta.AI taskforce respectively The ambition is to create the right frameworks to help trustworthy AI springboard from Malta to the world, in line with Malta's vision to become the ultimate AI launchpad