AI is changing the global economy. The role for Canberra is murky.
Policymakers are grappling with how to regulate artificial intelligence without stifling innovation. But it may be out of Australia's hands.
The clock is ticking for Australia to build its AI capacity and get the regulatory settings right. But the economic impacts will be felt regardless of what Canberra does.
This paradox may explain why frustration seemed to emerge in questions from parliamentarians during this week’s public hearings on adopting the new tech.
Senators were repeatedly warned, including by the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, that entire industries and sections of the public are concerned about the impact of the new tech on incomes, roles, privacy and rights. Academics also told them that the Australian government has seemingly little control over the major transformations about to hit the economy.
“Our position [in Australia] on these things is largely irrelevant because the technology that is being used comes from overseas,” AI expert Professor Anton van den Hengel told the committee on Thursday morning.
