In an effort to reduce the “multiple risks” connected with the technology, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Afnan Ullah Khan has submitted a bill in the Senate that would control the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nation and impose fines of billions of rupees on offenders.
As per reports, the ruling-party senator introduced the ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2024’ bill on August 9 in the Senate.
The Senate’s standing committee on IT received the draft on September 9 and will continue to discuss it there.
Senator Khan emphasized the “grave requirement to track, regulate, oversee, and monitor” the release of information at the national and international levels in his statement of objectives.
He outlined the dangers of using AI and urged more human intervention to avert “an unseen catastrophe” and create a “secure and protected” AI system that would spur national production and progress.
The law also suggests creating a “National Artificial Intelligence Commission” that would have its main office in Islamabad.
Along with promoting openness in the gathering, storing, and use of AI data, the law also suggests safeguarding the security and privacy of AI users. It also asks for bolstering “cybersecurity,” digital governance, and the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
It will not be permitted for the government-appointed panel members to hold any public or political affiliation concurrently.
Further, the law stipulates that infractions might lead to fines of between Rs1.5 billion and Rs2.5 billion, with the potential for higher fines in situations involving the “transmission of sensitive or classified information”.
The measure does not, however, outline which specific infractions would result in these penalties.
The UN General Assembly passed its first global AI resolution in March, urging its members to keep an eye out for any threats to basic freedoms, personal privacy, and human rights when it comes to AI.
