Policy complexity

AI regulation is a major policy issue which no single stakeholder, organisation, or country can address in isolation - a multi-layered approach toward laws, standards, and best practices is required (Weissinger, 2022). Global AI governance would benefit from a ‘regime complex’ to advance: authoritative knowledge on the state of AI science; common standards and harmonization of AI regulations; equitable access and benefit sharing; plus promoting collective security. (Klein & Patrick, 2024).

Policy uncertainty

Yet uncertainty prevails about policy mechanisms that could fully encompass - and address - diverse jurisdictional, organisational, and stakeholder interests. For instance, the extent to which existing regulations (such as consumer, competition, privacy and anti-discrimination laws) are adequate, or require amendment or extension - must be fully considered prior to designing specific AI-regulations (King, 2024).

Policymaking possibilities

The combined efforts of sovereign states, intergovernmental organizations, and nonstate actors can shape multidimensional governance possibilities (Klein & Patrick, 2024). In Australia, principles to guide governance possibilities include: a risk-based approach; being balanced and proportionate - as well as collaborative, transparent and a trusted international partner; plus, community first and ensuring that “AI is designed, developed and deployed to consider the needs, abilities and social context of people” (Department of Industry, Science and Resources, 2024, p.19).