Source: Taipei Times

Taipei Times reports that Taiwan is entering the final stages of drafting its "AI Basic Law," a foundational legislative framework designed to govern the development and application of artificial intelligence across the island. The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has emphasized that the law aims to establish a "democratic model" of AI governance, contrasting with the more authoritarian approaches seen elsewhere in the region. The proposed law focuses on seven core principles, including human autonomy, privacy protection, and the mitigation of algorithmic bias, ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of civil liberties.

A significant portion of the draft legislation addresses the growing threat of deepfakes and the use of AI to spread misinformation, which Taiwan views as a major national security concern. The law will mandate that AI-generated content be clearly labeled and provides legal recourse for individuals whose likeness or voice has been misused. Furthermore, the legislation seeks to leverage Taiwan's dominant position in the global semiconductor industry to foster a secure and trusted AI ecosystem, encouraging local firms to develop "sovereign" AI models that align with Taiwanese cultural and linguistic nuances.

The "AI Basic Law" also proposes the creation of a specialized evaluation center to conduct safety assessments for high-risk AI applications used in critical infrastructure and government services. By establishing clear liability rules and ethical guidelines, the government hopes to provide the legal certainty needed for businesses to invest in AI while protecting the public. Lawmakers in Taipei suggest that this framework will serve as a template for other democracies in Asia, demonstrating how to integrate advanced technology with transparency and accountability.