BackThree oversight Officers of the Legislature are urging the BC government to expand its consultation on draft principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence to members of the public in a letter to Minister of Citizens’ Services Lisa Beare. The ministry’s consultation is currently restricted to employees of the BC public service. The officers are also calling on government to ensure clear legislation is in place to protect the interest of British Columbians when AI is used.
The letter, from the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ombudsperson, and Human Rights Commissioner for BC, highlighted today’s launch of a set of principles on generative AI by Canadian privacy regulators aimed at advancing the responsible, trustworthy and privacy-protective development of AI. The officers recommended that the Ministry consider the principles when drafting standards for developing, providing or using generative AI.
Today’s letter follows a 2021 joint report of the Ombudsperson and Information and Privacy Commissioner recommending public bodies commit to guiding principles to ensure fairness and privacy when AI is used to deliver public services.
As the uses of AI continue to expand, the Human Rights Commissioner is joining the officers in welcoming the provincial government’s creation of draft principles for the responsible use of AI as a first step, but is encouraging government to expand its consultation to members of the public.
“Artificial intelligence can have potential benefits in the delivery of public services, but with today’s announcement we want to draw attention to the threats it poses to the public. We want to make sure that government takes steps to mitigate these threats to fair treatment and people’s rights,” said Ombudsperson Jay Chalke.
The letter advises that the provincial Ombudsperson, Information and Privacy Commissioner and Human Rights Commissioner should be consulted on issues relating to privacy, human rights, and administrative fairness before the principles are finalized. The officers are also reinforcing that reform of existing laws and regulations may be needed to ensure alignment with global regulatory efforts on the use of AI.
“AI’s rapid advances heighten the urgency for government to set ground rules for its use. Systems that rely on massive amounts of personal data, if not governed properly, have the potential to undermine the fundamental privacy rights of all British Columbians, including the protection of their privacy. It is critical to build trust in these systems from the outset,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael McEvoy.
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Source: Ombudsperson British Columbia, Canada
