The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), comprising countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, is formulating a unified policy regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). This policy emphasizes ethical and governance considerations. It highlights potential threats linked to AI, including deep fakes and impersonation, while offering member states the leeway to formulate strategies for countering these dangers.

This preliminary policy draft was not publicly disclosed but has been shared with leading tech giants such as Google, Meta, and IBM for input. Although the European Union has been advocating for Asian nations to embrace standards akin to the EU’s artificial intelligence regulations, the ASEAN approach is unique. It proposes a voluntary framework, and unlike the EU’s regulations, it doesn’t identify any “unacceptable risk” categories, potentially greenlighting AI applications that might be prohibited in Europe.

In parallel, Singapore and the United States have begun crafting a shared framework for AI governance, representing a pioneering international endeavor in this realm. This initiative, termed “crosswalk”, is a product of collaborative efforts between Singapore’s Media Development Authority and the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Both nations consider this partnership pivotal in setting global benchmarks for trustworthy and ethical AI. Their goal is to offer businesses a clearer understanding of these standards and to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes AI advancement.

During the Critical and Emerging Technologies (“CET Dialogue”) conference held in Washington, D.C., both Singapore and the U.S. disclosed their AI blueprints. They underscored the significance of fostering responsible AI innovation in the private sector and unveiled two new undertakings: the establishment of a bilateral AI governance consortium to strengthen mutual principles and improve data exchange, and the intensification of research collaborations centered on AI safety and security.

Click here to read about the decision of the U.S. and Singapore to create a framework for the governance of artificial intelligence.