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Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic discussed mandatory labelling of AI-generated content with chief executive of OpenAI Sam Altman, following similar legislation awaiting approval in the European Parliament to curb the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The pair discussed options for regulating artificially made content during a meeting in the Federal Parliament, hoping to curb the malicious use of artificially generated content to target Australians.
Last month, Altman expressed concern that deepfake imagery could be used by malicious actors and foreign agents to manipulate elections and distribute misinformation.
The concerns were also flagged by Microsoft president Brad Smith: “We’re going to have to address in particular what we worry about most foreign cyber influence operations, the kinds of activities that are already taking place by the Russian government, the Chinese, the Iranians.”
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, OpenAI is prepared to consider regulatory options.
“I’ve raised, in light of what the EU has proposed this week with its draft laws, the labelling of AI-generated product so people have confidence about what they’re dealing with,” Minister Husic told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“OpenAI [has] indicated a willingness to consider that, and it’s something we’re thinking about as well.”
While experts have commended Minister Husic’s approach, Monash University’s Professor Geoff Webb explained that labelling might not actually deter malicious actors.
“I am cautious about exactly how effective mandatory labelling of AI-generated content would be. It is unlikely to stop bad actors, such as a foreign power seeking to disrupt an Australian election or referendum,” Professor Webb explained.
“The best way to ensure that Australia is not left at the mercy of the foreign interests that currently control these technologies is to increase Australian workforce training and investment in Australian AI research and development.”
The discussion comes as Minister Husic spearheads the government’s plans to oversee the safe growth of artificial intelligence, releasing two papers in early June.
The papers include the federal government’s Safe and Responsible AI in Australia discussion paper, which identifies regulatory gaps and potential solutions to strengthen Australia’s AI framework.
It also included the Rapid Response Report: Generative AI published by the National Science and Technology Council, which charts the scientific “way forward” for artificial intelligence.
“Using AI safely and responsibly is a balancing act the whole world is grappling with at the moment,” Minister Husic said in early June.
“The upside is massive, whether it’s fighting superbugs with new AI-developed antibiotics or preventing online fraud.
“But as I have been saying for many years, there needs to be appropriate safeguards to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI.
“We’ve made a good start, thanks to the government’s $41 million investment in AI for industry and our strong advocacy in this space.
“Today is about what we do next to build trust and public confidence in these critical technologies.”
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