Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology that is changing the way humans work, live and create. The impacts on society, labour and technological advances are not yet clear, and policy makers around the world are still grappling with how best to harness the incredible opportunities while mitigating real harms.

The applications of AI fall on a spectrum which can be defined by the power of the tools and their controllability. “Narrow” AI, which can be both powerful and controllable, can and should be deployed across our economy to accelerate research, enable technological breakthroughs, and increase productivity. There is a requirement for regulation, much of which can be facilitated through the use of consensus-based standards and codes-of-practice.

“General Purpose” AI, or “Artificial General Intelligence” (AGI), is extremely powerful and can escape control of those creating it. The growing number of examples of AI unexpectedly pursuing autonomous actions pose a threat that needs to be managed carefully, deliberately, and with global cooperation.

Humanity may very well be at a turning point. Harnessing the power of these new technologies while managing the immeasurable risks, will determine the difference between increased prosperity and catastrophe.

This page will include documents produced by Senator Deacon and his office to attempt to inform debate around legislation, regulation and policies on AI.