Canada’s AI Code of Conduct: One Year In and the Call for Broader Participation
As Canada celebrates the first anniversary of its voluntary AI code of conduct, tech organizations reflect on its impact and express a desire for greater participation. With industry leaders advocating for responsible AI use, the push for more signatories emphasizes the need for collective action in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
In an era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the call for ethical guidelines and responsible practices has never been more urgent. One year after Canada introduced its voluntary code of conduct for AI, signatory tech organizations are satisfied with their participation but are also eager for more companies to join the initiative, recognizing that collective engagement is key to fostering a responsible AI ecosystem.
Overview of the Code
Launched in September 2023, the code aims to establish a foundational framework to guide the safe and ethical development of AI technologies. It encourages companies to:
- Adopt risk mitigation measures
- Conduct adversarial testing to identify vulnerabilities
- Track any adverse impacts stemming from their AI systems
With an initial cohort of about a dozen tech firms—including industry stalwarts like BlackBerry and OpenText—the number of signatories has since grown to 30.
Call for Participation
Cohere, a prominent Toronto-based AI company, has been vocal about the importance of widespread participation. Kosta Starostin, the company’s director of legal, emphasized that having more organizations on board would enhance the code’s impact within the industry. “It’s disappointing when our fellow Canadian companies maybe don’t sign up,” Starostin noted, acknowledging that each company has its own reasons for hesitancy.
Criticism of the Code
Some notable figures in the tech community, such as Shopify’s CEO Tobi Lütke, have expressed skepticism towards the need for such a code, arguing that it could hinder innovation rather than promote it. Similarly, Mark Doble, CEO of the AI tools company Alexi, has raised concerns about the code being “performative” and lacking substantive value beyond existing laws.
Government Support
Despite these criticisms, the Canadian government views the code as a critical step towards ensuring responsible development in AI. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has indicated that discussions with significant players in the AI landscape are ongoing, with additional signatories expected to be announced soon. The government remains committed to encouraging all companies involved in AI development to embrace these guidelines.
Alignment with Corporate Principles
Diane Gutiw, vice-president of analytics, AI, and machine learning at CGI Inc., highlighted the value of the code by stating that it aligns with the principles CGI has long upheld regarding transparency and data protection. The overlap between the code and existing corporate principles underscores the potential for established companies to lead by example in ethical AI development.
The Evolving AI Landscape
The motivation behind signing the code also stems from the rapidly evolving AI landscape. As the launch of AI systems like ChatGPT spurred a race for innovation, concerns over potential biases, ethical dilemmas, and societal impacts became increasingly pronounced. For many organizations, the code serves as a valuable framework while awaiting legislative developments, including the anticipated Artificial Intelligence and Data Act.
As AI continues to reshape industries and society at large, the call for a united front in ethical practices is clear. By fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, Canada’s AI code of conduct aims to not only mitigate risks but also to inspire innovation within a responsible framework. The future of AI will depend on the collective commitment to ensuring its development is safe, ethical, and beneficial for all.
