Manama:The Kingdom of Bahrain's parliamentary division delegation and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) have signed a funding agreement aimed at advancing legislation and oversight concerning artificial intelligence (AI). This agreement underscores Bahrain's commitment to establishing regulations for AI technologies, reflecting a growing international focus on the need for legislative bodies to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and ensure AI's safe and responsible use.
According to Bahrain News Agency, The agreement was announced alongside a statement from Dr. Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU and Member of the National Assembly of Tanzania, and several other international parliamentary leaders. The statement highlighted the crucial role of parliaments in regulating AI, establishing safeguards, and ensuring that AI development aligns with public interest rather than being driven solely by developers or commercial interests. It emphasized the necessity for public discussions and democratic processes in shaping AI legislation to protect rights, freedoms, and societal security.
The statement further stressed that legislative frameworks should govern AI use in various sectors, including civilian areas, cybersecurity, defence, and the workforce. It advocated for the right of societies to understand who controls AI technology and who is accountable for its risks, especially amid recent global political and military developments. The statement made clear that regulating AI does not hinder innovation but rather ensures that technological advancements are safe and beneficial to society.
It called for enhanced parliamentary cooperation at both national and international levels to set boundaries for AI technology and strengthen the legal frameworks surrounding it. The statement was supported by Dr. Ackson, Anda Filip, IPU Secretary General, and senior parliamentary figures from multiple countries, emphasizing the global consensus on the importance of AI regulation.