Government launches Artificial Intelligence public consultation

● Malta Towards Trustworthy AI, Malta’s ethical AI framework document

The Malta.AI Taskforce, which has been commissioned by the government to draft Malta AI National Strategy, is launching a public consultation on its proposed ethical AI Framework document devised by its Legal and Ethical Group.

Malta Towards Trustworthy AI is seeking the public feedback on the guiding AI principles and trustworthy AI requirements as set out in the mentioned document. The purpose of the Malta Ethical AI Framework is to establish a set of guiding principles and trusted AI governance and control practices that can serve as the foundation for the design and implementation of these broader constructs.

The Malta Ethical AI Framework was developed based on four objectives:

- A human-centric approach; - Respect for all the applicable laws and regulations, human rights and democratic values;

- Maximise the benefits of AI systems while preventing and minimising their risks;

- Aligned with emerging international standards and norms around AI ethics.

The AI guidance incorporated in the Malta Ethical AI framework is consistent with emerging international standards and guidance including those established in the European Union and those set out by the OECD.

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri is encouraging the public to provide its feedback and recommendations, which will help in establishing Malta’s Framework on ethical and trustworthy AI.

He said yesterday, “Having a framework on ethical and trustworthy AI is crucial as this will serve as guidance in the creation of trustworthy AI projects but most importantly it will play a crucial part in instilling trust amongst the public. It is through these solid foundations, which will eventually lead us to the certification of AI related projects. The Malta.AI Taskforce has been doing sterling work in its task of drafting Malta’s National AI Strategy aimed at putting Malta amongst the 10 nations in the world to have a strategy likely to impact every sector we know today.”

Feedback must be provided by Friday 6 September 2019 via email on fsdei.opm@gov.mt or via mail on: Malta.AI, Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Office of the Prime Minister, Auberge de Castille, Valletta, VLT 1061, Malta.

The document can be accessed at: https://malta.ai/wpcontent/uploads/2019/08/Malta_Towards_Ethical_and_Trustworthy_AI.pdf