Canadians are being asked to weigh in on how artificial intelligence systems and AI-generated content should be identified as the federal government considers new transparency measures.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon announced the consultation Thursday, saying public feedback will help shape Canada’s approach to safe and responsible AI.
The consultation runs from July 23 to Sept. 23.
Identifying AI-generated content
The federal government is seeking feedback on several areas, including how to detect and identify content created or altered by artificial intelligence.
The consultation will also consider ways to ensure people know when they are communicating with an AI system rather than a person.
Other topics include providing consistent information about how AI systems are developed, what they can do and where their limitations lie.
The government is also seeking ideas for tracking serious incidents involving AI and monitoring the actions and interactions of AI agents that can perform tasks on behalf of users.
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Building trust in AI systems
Solomon said transparency will be important as artificial intelligence becomes more widely used by Canadians and businesses.
“AI adoption moves at the speed of trust,” Solomon said in a release.
“Canadians need to know when they are interacting with AI systems, when content has been generated or altered by AI, and what these systems can and cannot do.”
The government said AI-generated material is becoming increasingly common online, making it more difficult for users to distinguish synthetic content from authentic material.
Some consumer AI products can also take actions on a user’s behalf rather than simply providing information or advice.
Feedback to guide next steps
The consultation supports the federal government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, called AI for All, which was launched June 4.
The strategy is intended to encourage responsible AI adoption, increase public trust and strengthen Canada’s control over its digital infrastructure and technology.
Canadians, businesses, researchers, civil society groups and First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations are among those invited to participate.
The federal government said the feedback will be used to determine its next steps for improving AI transparency and reliability.