Manama:A delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division recently participated in a webinar organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The event, titled "Extreme risks from AI The parliamentary role in setting limits," focused on examining how parliaments can address unacceptable risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and encourage legislative action at both national and international levels.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the delegation included Ali Hussain Al Shehabi, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee at the Shura Council, and Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Member of the Council of Representatives. The delegation underscored the legislative and oversight responsibilities of parliaments in mitigating serious AI risks by developing legal frameworks, identifying prohibited uses, and ensuring accountability and human oversight to safeguard human rights, freedoms, and public security.
The delegation identified key risks such as cyberattacks, the facilitation of biological and chemical weapons development, manipulation of democratic processes, and the loss of human control over highly autonomous systems. It stressed the necessity of differentiating between risks manageable through regulation and those requiring explicit prohibition.
Additionally, the delegation highlighted the importance of monitoring AI policies, utilizing scientific and legal expertise, and involving specialists, experts, and civil society organizations in discussions about acceptable and unacceptable risks. This approach aims to develop informed strategies based on shared knowledge and interests.
The webinar is part of the IPU's Parliamentary action on AI series, following resolutions adopted at previous assemblies, including the impact of AI on democracy and human rights, and the humanitarian impact of autonomous weapons systems, as well as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on responsible AI.