Indonesia has drafted ethics guidance for developers using artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent potential misuse of the new technology, a ministerial draft showed, Reuters reported on Thursday.

“AI-based programming activities need to be predicated on the ethics governing its use and development,” according to the draft produced by Indonesia’s communications ministry.

The draft said the guidance was needed to mitigate all “impacts and losses” that may occur from the use of AI, and recommends that developers prepare a risk management strategy, should “AI use disasters occur”, and prepare reporting and recovery mechanisms from such incidents.

The draft, however, did not elaborate on the type of losses or disasters from AI use.

The ethics guidelines include privacy protection and humanity, adding that the use of AI, including the development of AI products and marketing, needs to bolster innovation and does not replace human existence, according to the report.

Usman Kansong, a senior communications ministry official who authenticated the draft, said he does not know when it would be issued, but its deputy minister was quoted by local media Tempo as saying that he hopes it will be out this month.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the government of Malaysia is also preparing to a framework related to the code of ethics for AI.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) in Malaysia is expected to present a comprehensive framework related to the code of ethics for artificial intelligence (AI) in the first quarter of next year.

Its minister, Chang Lih Kang, said the presentation aimed at detailing the guidelines and regulations that stakeholders in all sectors need to adhere to.

“A special committee has been formed under Mosti to develop this comprehensive framework related to AI technology in collaboration with various parties, including industry players.

“This is essential because currently, there are no guidelines or regulations in place to ensure ethical use of AI across all sectors,” he added.

Malaysia Science Ministry to present full framework for AI code of ethics in 1Q 2024 – report