The Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the "Artificial Intelligence Basic Law" yesterday, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for Taiwan's AI legal framework. The International Artificial Intelligence Law Research Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation), which has long cultivated AI legal research, expressed its support for the completed legislation. However, the Foundation noted that the true challenge lies ahead: concretely implementing the law's legislative spirit and policy directives into individual statutes.

In March 2023, the Foundation pioneered a civil draft of the AI Basic Law, triggering a legislative wave across the nation. Subsequent bills proposed by both ruling and opposition parties were influenced by the Foundation's version. Key concepts incubated in the Foundation's draft—such as risk-based regulatory norms, diverse governance models for establishing guidelines, and core AI legal principles like human autonomy, sustainable development, transparency and explainability, fairness and non-discrimination, and accountability—are reflected in the final legislation.

Earlier in December, the Foundation recommended establishing an Executive Yuan-level committee to serve as a platform for inter-ministerial communication and government decision-making—a proposal that garnered support from the Legislative Yuan. The AI Basic Law stipulates that the Executive Yuan shall establish a "National AI Strategy Special Committee." Convened by the Premier, this committee will bring together heads of relevant agencies, local government leaders, and representatives from industry and academia to meet at least once a year to jointly discuss national AI development strategies.

Chang Li-ching, CEO of the Foundation, stated that with the legislation of the AI Basic Law complete, competent authorities must "get moving" once the President promulgates the act. With the AI Basic Law serving as the locomotive, agencies should immediately initiate the formulation or amendment of relevant laws to meet the demands of the coming AI era. Chang emphasized that legislation related to the technology industry is particularly urgent in the face of global technological competition, as it is vital for maintaining the international competitiveness of Taiwan's tech sector.

Chang also pointed out that AI applications could impact labor rights. Consequently, laws protecting workers must undergo a comprehensive review regarding labor guarantees and employment counseling mechanisms to prevent negative social impacts. Furthermore, as AI applications—particularly generative AI—become increasingly widespread and challenge existing legal norms, AI legal education must keep pace to prepare civil society for the AI age.

Full Article:https://money.udn.com/money/story/7307/9223381

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