Report includes offer to engage with government to assist in developing responsible AI governance and policy.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta has issued a report which summarizes for the Government of Alberta considerations and recommendations for a legal and policy framework to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the province.
While participating in recent reviews of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and while working with the Alberta government during its drafting of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and regulations, the OIPC considered what would be necessary to facilitate the responsible use of AI in Alberta. Subsequent to that, the OIPC compiled a document for consideration by the Government of Alberta that focuses solely on the regulation of AI. Published today on the OIPC website, the document sets out recommendations for a legal and policy framework that would facilitate responsible innovation through use of AI, along with adequate protection for Albertans relating to their privacy and other fundamental human rights.
“It is our position that Alberta could benefit from a standalone law to regulate AI in the province, which would assist in building trust in the use of AI,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod. “AI use is rapidly advancing in Alberta, and as we have repeatedly stated in the past, the OIPC supports the responsible use of AI in Alberta because we recognize that, although there are risks to its use, there are many benefits that can be realized, including improving quality of public services and enhancing the delivery of health care. However, in order to strike the right balance between protecting privacy and achieving these benefits, there must be a legal and policy framework that facilitates the development and use of AI while protecting the public.”
In July, the OIPC shared the AI report with the Government of Alberta and offered to work with government and representatives from the health and private sector on the development of such a framework.
“I was pleased to receive a response from the Minister of Technology and Innovation, Nate Glubish, who thanked us for our engagement with government on this matter and noted our comments would be carefully considered,” added McLeod. “We look forward to further discussions with the minister and his team on the future of AI regulation in the province.”
The letter from Minister Glubish indicated the government’s recognition of the transformative potential of AI, as well as the risks associated with its misuse. It also noted the government’s commitment to explore “effective regulatory approaches that protect Albertans while enabling the responsible use of AI across the public and private sectors.”
“A stand-alone AI law in Alberta should reflect international standards set out in law and policy documents in other jurisdictions and should also be customized to the unique context of Albertan values and industries,” said McLeod. “That said, AI legislation alone is not enough to sufficiently regulate all the impacts of AI. An AI law must work in conjunction with appropriate policies and principles, and with other laws, including the criminal code and privacy laws that must be continually modernized. The latter is a critical aspect to consider in Alberta, as we expect amendments to PIPA and the Health Information Act in the near future.”
Through the OIPC, the Information and Privacy Commissioner performs the responsibilities set out in Alberta’s access to information and privacy laws, the Access to Information Act, the Protection of Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act during the transition period, the Health Information Act, and the Personal Information Protection Act. The Commissioner operates independently of government.
For more information:
Elaine Schiman
communications@oipc.ab.ca
Communications Manager
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta
Mobile: (587) 983-8766
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