Algorithm-based technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly pervading all areas of our lives. AI has become strategically crucial for governments worldwide, being considered one of the most transformative forces of our time.

Its general-purpose status enables it to generate benefits across a wide array of domains and, in turn, is expected to enhance both individual economic and societal welfare. It is, therefore, no surprise that global competition to develop AI applications has emerged. Many countries and regions are explicitly taking part in a 'race to AI', striving to advance the technology's use and benefits more rapidly and successfully than others.

AI, however, comes not only with benefits but also with substantial ethical and legal risks. These relate, for instance, to the technology's potential to breach fundamental rights such as privacy and non-discrimination, to inadvertently nudge and manipulate people to hinder their self-determination, or to harm people's safety and security.

In this context, governments worldwide are enforcing policy changes regarding AI developments in their countries. Besides the governments, religious groups also state their ideas on AI. This year, Pope Francis published a manual on the ethics of AI. Let us take a look at the recent developments in this space. 

Latest updates

The US, UK, China and EU were the governments that have been bringing amendments to their AI policies. China became the first country to implement regulations on generative AI models. The recent law passed by China is the world's earliest and most comprehensive regulation on controlling generative AI tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and many more. On the leadership of the Cyberspace Administration of China, seven Chinese regulators jointly published the provisional regulations.

Though the rules "Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services" (Interim GAI measures) were finalized and published by the Chinese government in July, they came into effect on August 15, and they will apply to all AI content services, including text, pictures, audio and video that are accessible to the Chinese public. The regulations rolled out by the Chinese government aim to address the risks revolving around AI and introduce compliance obligations on firms involved in AI-related businesses.

At the same time, in July this year, the Whitehouse announced that AI companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet and Meta Platforms, have voluntarily committed to the White House to implement watermarking AI-generated content to help make the technology safer.

US President Joe Biden, these commitments are promising, but we have much more work to do together. 

Following their announcement ensuring content safety, the US government is preparing to implement new measures to restrict China's access to advanced semiconductors and chip-making equipment. According to a Bloomberg report, the new restrictions will aim to refine and close the loopholes from last year's curbs.

In 2022 the UK proposed a new AI rulebook to boost public trust. However, the country labeled AI a national security threat following their publication of the National Risk Register (NRR) 2023. The extensive document details the various threats that could significantly impact the UK's safety. 

Other nations

Not just the AI superpowers but many smaller nations are bringing up AI regulations. For instance, AI is to be allowed in Australian schools from 2024. According to the federal education minister of the country, Jason Clare, ChatGPT was "not going away" and had become similar to the "calculator or the internet". Revised by the national AI task force, the framework was unanimously adopted at last week's education ministers meeting. It will be released in the coming week. 

Furthermore, Pakistan is set to finalize the country's first AI policy by December. Pakistan's interim information technology minister, Umar Saif, stated that they had prepared the draft of the National AI Policy and were currently in consultation with relevant stakeholders to finalize it by December.

With AI becoming more readily accessible, governments and private sectors worldwide are beginning to reap its benefits while performing day-to-day functions. Pakistan's planning ministry also acknowledged in April that AI incorporation in different government sectors would lead to better decision-making processes, personalized medical treatments and enhanced learning experiences and solutions that were previously unattainable.