KEY CONCLUSIONS
EAEU member states need to build a unified security and liability system in relation to artificial intelligence
“Unfortunately, we have not made much progress in terms of the law. However, this is because work needs to be done in concert. When it comes to priorities at the level of the EAEU, I would highlight... the development of framework legislation covering artificial intelligence, in which ethical and legal matters intersect,” Elina Sidorenko, Doctor of Law, Professor; Director of the Center for Digital Economy and Financial Innovation, MGIMO University; General Director, Zabiznes.rf Platform.
“We must regulate how this data is used. What liability should be borne, and by whom, if data is improperly used, or if certain ethics pertaining to artificial intelligence are violated? We also need to make adjustments to copyright, and crucially, look at the ethics of using artificial intelligence,” Indira Sharshenova, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“To draw an analogy, we are now in the same situation as national governments when humanity took its first steps in space. The result was a UN committee on the peaceful use of space and the main protocols which are still in force today. <...> We perhaps need to come up with something similar with regard to artificial intelligence,” Avet Poghosyan, Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia.
“When considering regulation and ethics, it is important to appreciate that a balance needs to be struck. On the one hand, regulation is needed to prevent any harm to humanity. On the other hand, we must not over-regulate artificial intelligence so as to avoid hindering its development,” Aziz Atabekov, Director, Research Institute for the Development of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
PROBLEMS
The lack of a regulatory and liability system covering the unethical use of artificial intelligence
“The use of open data is something which needs to be addressed at the legislative level, at the level of government. The use of open data sometimes leads to negative consequences,” Sergey Kruglikov, General Director, United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
“Any technology can be used for good or bad. All regulatory technologies that the entire world is currently trying to create are aimed at benefitting humanity,” Indira Sharshenova, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The first priority is not to violate constitutional human rights. We must also pay attention to how transparent the algorithm is,” Nazgul Bazhaeva, Director of the Digital Transformation Department, Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The lack of a clear role for the government in regulating artificial intelligence
“Some aspects of current legislation already regulate this area to an extent. For example, personal data protection plays a regulatory role here up to a point, and there is also copyright law... I do not think there is any need to rush things at the legislative level over the next year or two. We need to observe which direction everything is moving in,” Avet Poghosyan, Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia.
“The government should not interfere much in terms of legal regulation, at least for the time being. That’s because it could result in hindering business, and the business sector needs to develop independently,” Nazgul Bazhaeva, Director of the Digital Transformation Department, Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
SOLUTIONS
Creating a digital code and other legal stipulations which take a careful approach to regulating artificial intelligence in EAEU member states
“Today, the Kyrgyz Republic wants to develop and implement a digital code. This would regulate the digital realm as a whole. <...> The code will set out overarching requirements, as well as a common understanding and stipulations set out under the law. We want to respond to this moment as effectively as possible,” Indira Sharshenova, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic.
“The main objective is to create a barrier-free system for developing artificial intelligence technology, while at the same time guaranteeing human rights and freedoms. <...> In Russia, a national code of ethics for artificial intelligence has been adopted, and a national ethics commission for artificial intelligence has been established,” Andrey Neznamov, Managing Director – Head of AI Regulation Center, Sberbank.
“A digital code for Kazakhstan has already been drafted. Work is currently being done in cooperation with state bodies and associations. Discussions are under way on how to set this all up properly. We are currently codifying all legislative norms relating specifically to digitalization, transformation, and digital signatures,” Nazgul Bazhaeva, Director of the Digital Transformation Department, Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“The development of a model law on artificial intelligence is precisely what can pave the way for the creation of a regulatory system governing social relations arising as a result of the development and use of artificial intelligence technology. <...> First of all, this means creating a favourable environment from a legal and organizational point of view for the development of artificial intelligence technology... Secondly, it means creating a single market for lawful, safe, and trustworthy artificial intelligence applications, which is no trivial thing,” Sergey Kruglikov, General Director, United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
“Initial steps have also been taken in Uzbekistan to regulate artificial intelligence technology. A special legal regime – a so-called regulatory sandbox – was created. Several pilot initiatives have been developed and tested within this sandbox. <...> The advantage of a regulatory sandbox is that it provides easier access to data, including government data,” Aziz Atabekov, Director, Research Institute for the Development of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
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