The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is calling on the provincial government to consider the privacy implications of the use of Artificial Intelligence by government and government agencies ahead of more robust legislation.

The federal government is working on a proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act introduced as part of Ottawa’s Digital Charter Implementation Act.

The legislation will set the foundation for the responsible design, development and deployment of AI systems that affect the lives of Canadians.

AI was the topic of discussion of Canada’s privacy commissioners during a recent meeting in Ottawa.

NL’s Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey says what his office is asking for at this stage is fairly “light.”

“We’re just asking that if any public body is implementing an AI program, then they do what’s called an algorithmic impact assessment and that they let the OIPC know”, says Harvey. He expects more robust frameworks are to come, but at this stage they’re trying to take stock “and see who’s introducing what.”