Leading academics from around the world gathered at the University of Ottawa for the “Shaping AI for Just Futures” conference, delving into international AI legislation and regulatory trends. The conference, spearheaded by Professor Florian Martin-Bariteau, convened experts to discuss the complex landscape of AI regulation across various global regions.
The panel discussion, titled “Regulating AI Around the World,” highlighted diverse perspectives on AI legislation while emphasizing a shared challenge: how to effectively regulate AI without hindering innovation.
Marcelo Thompson highlighted Hong Kong’s lagging data protection laws compared to China’s robust framework, emphasizing the difficulty of preserving values amidst technological advancements within Hong Kong’s unique political context.
Nagla Rizk discussed disparities within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), showcasing countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia’s capital-heavy AI investments contrasting with Tunisia’s focus on sustainable AI development.
Caroline Ncube outlined the complex African tech landscape, highlighting the African Union’s role in backing initiatives for national AI strategies and emphasizing transparency, human rights, and African expertise in AI.
Woodrow Hartzog shed light on the United States’ evolving federal and state-level AI regulation, emphasizing bipartisan agreements and the emergence of local-level policies shaping federal legislation.
Célia Zolynski detailed the EU’s risk-based AI regulation strategy, emphasizing the balance between fostering innovation and protecting individual rights.
Sergio Branco presented Brazil’s principles-based approach, inspired by the EU model, focusing on classifying AI systems, strict liability laws, and adaptability to the rapidly evolving AI industry.
The panel’s discussions unveiled diverse approaches to AI regulation, prompting questions about the influence of regional regulations on the global tech scene and whether a universal blueprint for AI governance might emerge. The conference highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by policymakers in navigating AI regulation across diverse geopolitical contexts.
