Southeast Asia Takes Business-Friendly Approach to AI Regulation, Defying EU Ambitions
Southeast Asian Countries Embrace AI Regulation
Southeast Asian countries are adopting a business-friendly approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI), diverging from the European Union’s (EU) stringent framework. A confidential draft of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) “guide to AI ethics and governance” reveals the region’s independent stance on AI regulation. Unlike the EU’s AI Act, the ASEAN guide emphasizes considering cultural differences and avoids prescribing unacceptable risk categories. These voluntary guidelines aim to guide domestic regulations in the diverse Southeast Asian region.
A Hands-Off Approach
Southeast Asian countries have diverse rules regarding censorship, misinformation, and hate speech, which could significantly impact AI regulation. Recognizing this complexity, the ASEAN guide takes a relatively hands-off approach, allowing companies to navigate existing local laws and encouraging innovation. This approach is seen as more business-friendly, reducing the compliance burden in the region.
Alignment with Global AI Frameworks
The ASEAN guide aligns closely with other leading AI frameworks, such as the United States’ NIST AI Risk Management Framework. IBM Asia’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Stephen Braim, praised the guide’s alignment with existing frameworks, highlighting its emphasis on safety and innovation.
EU’s Struggle for Global Consensus
While the EU has been advocating for globally harmonized AI rules, it has faced challenges in convincing Asian countries to adopt its approach. Japan and South Korea, along with Southeast Asian nations, have expressed more relaxed attitudes towards AI regulation. These diverging approaches cast doubt on the EU’s ambitions to establish a global standard for AI governance.
A Different Track
ASEAN’s preference for member states to determine their own policy decisions sets it apart from the EU’s centralized approach. Although ASEAN lacks the power to create laws, it aims to establish common principles for AI regulation. The EU will continue to engage in dialogues with Southeast Asian states to align on broader principles, emphasizing the importance of human rights in AI development.
Conclusion
Southeast Asian countries are forging their own path in AI regulation, prioritizing cultural differences and innovation. While the EU seeks global consensus on AI governance, ASEAN’s voluntary guidelines offer a more flexible and business-friendly approach. As AI continues to shape the future, finding a balance between regulation and innovation remains a key challenge for governments worldwide.
