The development of the artificial intelligence (AI) governance and ethics code (Aige) framework is now at the final stage and will be launched soon, national news agency Bernama reported.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Aige is a framework to set parameters for AI users in industries.

“We have been working on this since last year…although (it is) not legally binding, it’s to set parameters for AI users in industries, so that they know what are the ‘dos and don’ts’ in adapting AI technology,” he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the 4th German-Malaysia Business Forum on Tuesday.

Chang said that previously, the guidelines were developed specifically for three main categories, namely users and the public, policymakers, and providers or developers of AI-based technology, the report added.

The framework outlines seven principles of responsible AI that can be applied to all three main categories.

Compliance with these guidelines can ensure the ethical and safe use of AI.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has been working with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and other representatives of government agencies, higher education institutions and industry players, to develop the framework.

Elsewhere in neighbouring Indonesia, it was reported in December last year that the country has drafted ethics guidance for developers using (AI to prevent potential misuse of the new technology, a ministerial draft showed, Reuters reported.

“AI-based programing 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 then.

Malaysia to launch AI code of ethics & governance guideline as soon as April – report