Kuala lumpur: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Bill is set to ensure that accountability for any harm or risks arising from AI technology is clearly assigned to individuals or organizations, as AI systems themselves lack legal personality or moral responsibility.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo highlighted this approach during a Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat. He emphasized that the responsibility should lie with the humans or entities that develop, provide, operate, or utilize AI systems. This comes in response to a query from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) regarding whether the bill would offer legal assurance to the public amid growing challenges related to AI technology.
Gobind explained that accountability is a cornerstone in the bill's drafting, recognizing AI's growing integration into daily life and operations across both public and private sectors. The government is examining a comprehensive accountability strategy that encompasses the entire AI system lifecycle, from development to decommissioning. This approach acknowledges that AI risks or failures can emerge at various stages, particularly when systems are modified or used beyond their original context or user group.
The bill is crafted as a horizontal governance framework designed to complement existing laws, rather than supplant technology regulation or sector-specific jurisdictions. Gobind noted that existing laws and agencies would continue to address AI issues involving criminal offenses, consumer protection, intellectual property, or specific sectors.
Furthermore, the government is not seeking to directly regulate AI-generated content but is focusing on governance mechanisms to preemptively mitigate risks. Among the measures being considered is AI incident reporting, which would allow authorities to assess risks, take appropriate actions, and identify patterns to prevent recurrence.
Additionally, the implementation of an AI regulatory sandbox is under consideration. This would offer a controlled environment for developers, industry players, and relevant agencies to test and refine AI systems prior to broader deployment.
Gobind stated that the bill is being developed as a balanced legal framework to ensure the safe, responsible, and reliable development and adoption of AI in Malaysia. The government is committed to refining the bill to protect public interests, reinforce accountability throughout the AI lifecycle, and support innovation, research, technological development, and national competitiveness in the digital economy.