New AI Framework:
The Ace Up Your Sleeve For A Smarter Policy
South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies released the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework in August 2024, marking the country’s first step toward AI policy. The framework addresses ethical guidelines, privacy, security, transparency, fairness, and bias mitigation while focusing on talent development, digital infrastructure, research, and public sector AI adoption. The goal is to align with global AI governance standards and position South Africa as an AI leader in Africa.
A Discussion Document from October 2023 preceded the policy, analyzing AI risks—including robotic, social, criminal, monopolization, military, and existential threats. It relied on the EU AI Act as a regulatory model but acknowledged gaps in systemic risk-based governance.
A major AI-related failure occurred on July 19, 2024, when 8.5 million Windows computers crashed due to a CrowdStrike software failure, causing a $1 trillion loss on Nasdaq and disrupting industries worldwide. This highlighted AI’s systemic risks and the need for robust governance.
The European Parliament’s AI Act was passed in March 2024 but is not yet law. It was developed with input from multiple EU bodies, emphasizing a trans-disciplinary approach.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted two landmark resolutions in 2024, co-sponsored by major global players, to enhance AI capacity-building and governance. The 2024 World AI Conference (WAIC) in China reinforced global cooperation on AI policies.
An expert discussion in Moscow emphasized the role of AI and semiconductor development in Africa’s modernization and industrialization, warning against digital neocolonialism. The UN and other international bodies stress the importance of systemic AI risk governance, unbiased knowledge creation, and digital sovereignty.
South Africa is urged to expand public consultation on AI policy, integrating expertise from semiconductor engineers and legal scholars to address AI’s unpredictable nature and minimize risks.
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