Minister Josephine Teo delivered a speech at the opening of the Personal Data Protection Week on July 18, 2023, discussing the significance of data in the growing digital economy of the region. She emphasized the interest in developing data policies that benefit both individuals and businesses.During her speech, Minister Josephine Teo raised concerns and considerations regarding AI-generated content. She highlighted the potential biases, discrimination, and misuse of AI for disinformation or criminal activities. The minister stressed the need for AI governance and the importance of high-quality training datasets for AI models. She also acknowledged the challenges that organizations face in collecting and ensuring data quality.
Minister Josephine Teo mentioned the introduction of the Model AI Governance Framework in 2019, which aims to guide the development of AI Verify, a testing framework and software toolkit. The minister emphasized the importance of data access and quality for successful AI implementation while also advocating for the protection of consumers’ data and the promotion of innovation.
Furthermore, the speech highlighted the launch of the Advisory Guidelines on the use of Personal Data in AI Recommendation and Decision Systems by the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC). Minister Josephine Teo noted the progress of these guidelines, which have reached the stage of open consultation. These guidelines aim to provide clear direction on the ethical use of personal data in AI systems.
The document also underscored the role of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) in protecting personal data while enabling businesses to extract value and develop useful insights and AI systems. Minister Josephine Teo announced the joint launch of the “PET x Privacy Sandbox” by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Google. This initiative aims to support industries in testing and adopting PETs, further enhancing privacy in the digital landscape.
Additionally, the speech emphasized the importance of facilitating cross-border data flows while ensuring clear and transparent guidelines on permissible data transfers. Minister Josephine Teo highlighted the significance of striking a balance between data innovation and data protection to foster a thriving digital economy.
In conclusion, Minister Josephine Teo’s speech emphasized the importance of data governance, AI ethics, and privacy in the digital era. The government’s initiatives, such as the AI Verify framework and Advisory Guidelines on Personal Data in AI, aim to guide organizations in using data responsibly and ethically while promoting innovation and protecting consumers’ data.
