Abstract |
Canada has recently introduced the Digital Charter Implementation Act of
2022. Both at the federal level as well as at the provincial level, different governments
are trying to move forward with emerging technology by amending and implementing
laws and regulations to put a safety net against various emerging risks, but at the same
time, promote the growth of the innovative industry in Canada. Indeed, as one of the
first countries, Canada introduced legislation regarding artificial intelligence (Artificial
Intelligence and Data Act), and the goal of this paper is to check if the new legislation
would encompass the basic artificial intelligence ethical frameworks such as privacy,
accountability, transparency/explainability, fairness, and safety & security, which were
recommended in three (3) different ethical declarations on artificial intelligence, among
many others. The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act contains important sections
incorporating accountability, transparency/explainability, fairness, and safety &
security. Considering a risk-based approach targets high-impact systems and requires
risk management and monitoring against the risk of harm and biased output. It also
requires persons responsible for high-impact systems to communicate all the necessary
information publicly and to be audited in case of concern with its artificial intelligence
systems. The new legislation imposes administrative monetary penalties and offenses
similar to the proposed regulations in the EU. As for privacy, similar to the EU, it is
outside of the new law’s scope, but another law covers the topic independently already
Nevertheless, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act also has some pitfalls. It lacks
clarity and specific requirements found in the law of the EU. Furthermore, the scope is
an issue as it only covers private sector actors, and there is doubt about the real
independence and neutrality of the commissioner. |