Governments should create a set of core principles and enhance digital skills to address gaps.

TORONTO, November 21, 2023 – The rapid evolution of digital technologies, in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), is showing no sign of slowing. Digital technologies can boost productivity, support innovations in medical care, and even help tackle our climate crisis. But earlier this year, technology experts called for a temporary pause in the development of advanced AI systems due to the risks they pose to society. In this charged environment, policymakers in Canada and globally are faced with the challenge of balancing innovation while introducing effective regulatory frameworks for digital technologies such as AI that safeguard the public interest.

To support policymakers as they navigate these complex issues, the CSA Public Policy Centre and Digital Governance Council have published a new report, Ahead of the Curve: A Roadmap for Regulating Digital Technologies. The report provides an overview of the regulatory challenges posed by digital technologies – offering AI, 3D printing and blockchain as case studies – and outlines important considerations for policymakers as they navigate this evolving landscape.

“Traditional approaches to regulation need to be re-imagined when it comes to digital technologies,” says Sunil Johal, Vice President, Public Policy at CSA Group. “To better protect the interests of Canadians, we need to utilize policy measures that can evolve quickly in this rapidly advancing digital age.”

The report highlights a range of promising tools and methods, each with the potential to lead to quicker, more targeted, and effective regulation of digital technologies. While the challenges posed by digital technologies are numerous, policymakers should consider a multi-faceted approach as they seek to establish regulations. These include:

• Enhancing existing frameworks frameworks by establishing core principles, shifting from reactive to proactive approaches, and developing strategies to put people first in a data-rich world.
• Investing in the public sector by improving intergovernmental cooperation, enhancing skills, capacity, and knowledge, and establishing a Digital Centre of Excellence.
• Using complementary tools such as risk-based approaches (e.g., certifications, audits, and inspections), standards-based solutions, and legal frameworks.

“The government of Canada has the opportunity to harness digital technology for good,” Johal added. “But for innovation to take hold, for businesses to realize the true value of this technology, and for society to feel the benefits — as well as be protected from possible risk — all levels of government and industry must work together to implement the right guardrails.”

To learn more and download Ahead of the Curve: A Roadmap for Regulating Digital Technologies, visit CSA Group’s website.

About CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection, and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.

Media may contact

Claire Brassard
CSA Group
[email protected]
647 631 4712