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Federal department in charge of regulating AI should consider “privacy as a fundamental human right,” say experts

Author Sharlene Gandhi
45 civil society organizations, technology experts and academics have written to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to express concerns about the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) and Bill C-27’s approach to data protection and privacy. They suggest that since ISED is in charge of AI’s economic growth, it cannot also regulate the technology independently.

Why It Matters

AIDA will likely not be coming into force until 2025, but various organizations – including the non-profit sector – have begun implementing AI-based tools and technologies into their work. The sector must be aware of its obligations to the public regarding applications of AI and data privacy legislation.

A group of 45 experts, academics and non-profit organizations say the federal department responsible for the economic growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Canada should not be in charge of regulating it.

In late September, 45 signatories, including Amnesty International Canada, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, signed an open letter addressed to the Minister in charge of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada, François-Philippe Champagne. In it, they demand that “ISED should not be the primary or sole drafter of a bill with broad human rights, labour and cultural impacts.

“It is inappropriate for the regulation of AI to fall completely under the auspices of ISED, whose mandate is to support the economic development of the AI industry,” the letter reads.

“The

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