Many organizations recognize the potential benefits that
artificial intelligence (“AI”) can bring to their
business. However, regulators as well as privacy and human
rights activists are pushing for laws to govern this controversial
technology. Recent developments in Canada and worldwide suggest
that regulations may be developed sooner rather than later.
For example, in October 2018, the 40th International Conference
of Data Protection & Privacy Commissioners (in which the OPC
participated) endorsed a “Declaration on Ethics and Data
Protection in Artificial Intelligence”, which sets out
“guiding principles” to preserve human rights in the
development of artificial intelligence. In addition, in May 2019,
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
adopted the first set of intergovernmental policy guidelines on
artificial intelligence, which have now been adopted by 42
countries including Canada.
