MSPs call for AI regulation ‘before it’s too late’ in a near-empty chamber

MSPs from across parties have urged for “fast” decision on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation before it’s “too late” during a debate attended by fewer than 15 members.

During a members’ business debate on the dangers and risks posed by AI, put forward by SNP MSP Emma Roddick, elected members called for a swift approach to legislation to ensure AI is “safely” integrated across sectors.

Yet although members agreed the issue should benefit of more parliamentary time, the debate took place in a near-empty chamber.

Members highlighted the opportunities AI offers in sectors such as healthcare and education but warned of the importance of controlling the fast development of the technology.

Roddick said: “Legislators across the world must decide, and decide fast, how far we’re comfortable with AI reaching into particular areas and what limits have to be placed on it, keeping it in mind that AI is learning from humans… So, if society is racist AI may be racist; if we value men over women, AI will learn to do the same.”

She added: “We must tell those who are developing AI models where they cannot take their technology, before it’s too late.”

Roddick the called for workers' rights to be extend to AI implications, adding that they should have the right to have a say on decisions that have been delegated to AI.

She also highlighted concerns on the amount of energy AI uses, adding that it is not a “sustainable industry” and its growth may not be worth its climate costs.  Her worries echo findings by French firm Schneider Electric, which earlier this year estimated that by 2028 AI workloads would consume more power than what Iceland consumed in 2021.

She then pointed out the gap in education on online disinformation, adding that it is failing to catch up with with the growing access to AI generated content.

While Tory MSP Brian Whittle agreed with Roddick, he warned “doomsday scenarios” could make Scotland miss out on AI’s benefits.

He highlighted the potential the technology has to free up time for frontline healthcare staff, as well as improve care for those who are suffering from cancer.

He said: “AI comes with risks but that is true from almost any technology… and while AI may be a powerful new technology coming with dangers we haven’t encountered before, it isn’t a reason to bury or heads in the sand, because AI is coming whether we are ready for it or not, and I for one would far rather be ready.”

Labour MSP Michael Marra, who was they only representative for his party in the debate, said “wishing artificial intelligence away would be akin to regretting the steam engine or the wheel”.

He added: “This technology will not be put away, so we must ensure that there is more than just talking about a broad net benefit and the desperate mitigation of the worst of the risks.”

He then went on to warn about the risk of hostile nations using AI and bots to impact democratic processes.

“We know that Russia does that. We know that it is happening today in the US. We know that it happened here in 2014. It’s a real current issue that has to be dealt with,” he said.

Closing the debate, business minister Richard Lochhead said he has been encouraged by the new Labour UK Government on the potential for “close dialogue” between governments about the impact of AI in Scotland and devolved matters:  “Unfortunately, most of AI regulation remains within the remit of the UK Government. But we have been encouraged since the recent election, that there has been a slight deepening of the understanding that we need to ensure safe and transparent control of AI.

He added: “We want to see more being done and of course we will continue to speak to the UK Government about these issues. And we will do this to ensure the interests of the people and business in Scotland are considered in any future AI regulation, such as the AI Bill which was mentioned in the King's Speech.”