The third meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was held on 7 November. The event, organised in partnership with the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) and the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), brought together almost 50 parliamentarians from 25 countries. The Standing Parliamentary Delegation for Participation in OECD Activities (PD OECD) was represented by its vice president, National Council member Prisca Birrer-Heimo (SP, LU).
The meeting in Paris allowed the participants to reflect on AI regulatory efforts at national and international level. Work in this area involves a balancing act between regulating AI on the one hand while not overly constraining technological development on the other. This requires adopting dynamic legislation that can be adapted quickly and easily. Participants also discussed the various approaches to regulation, such as the risk-based strategy proposed by the European Union or the more context-based approach. Regardless of which option is chosen, legislation alone cannot address all eventualities because of the range of AI uses, risks and opportunities. The question of protecting fundamental values runs through all these debates.
Business representatives have expressed difficulty in working without international rules and have called for a global regulatory framework. The current legal uncertainty is particularly problematic for investors and does not ensure a level playing field.
Participants acknowledged that legislation was urgently needed. They also agreed on the definitions, principles and standards on which future regulation should be based. The regulatory framework must be harmonised now as it will only become more difficult and costly to coordinate it further down the line. The meeting also highlighted the role of the OECD in guiding this work.
Spain presented its regulatory sandbox pilot project launched jointly with the European Commission. The project allows stakeholders (SMEs, authorities) to test various AI applications and assess their compliance with future EU legislation.
The OECD also presented its ongoing activities regarding the development of an AI incident reporting system. A comprehensive and coherent system is essential in order to reduce the risks involved in using AI technologies.
National Council member Prisca Birrer-Heimo representing Switzerland’s PD OECD in Paris. © OECD
Parliamentarians from 25 countries participated in the meeting of the OECD Global Parliamentary Network Group on Artificial Intelligence © OECD