Australia has signed a commitment to AI safety.

Australia signed the Seoul Declaration and Seoul Ministerial Statement during the AI Seoul Summit held on 21 and 22 May 2024. 

These agreements mark a significant step in fostering international cooperation on AI safety research and governance.

The AI Seoul Summit, attended by representatives from 27 countries and the European Union, focused on enhancing collaboration to address the shared challenges and opportunities presented by AI. 

The event culminated in the signing of three key documents; the Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative and Inclusive AI, the Seoul Statement of Intent toward International Cooperation on AI Safety Science (Annex), and the Seoul Ministerial Statement for Advancing AI Safety, Innovation and Inclusivity.

These documents build on the foundation laid by the Bletchley Declaration on AI Safety, emphasising the need for robust international frameworks to manage AI risks while promoting innovation and inclusivity.

“We recognise the transformative benefits of AI for the public sector, including in areas such as administration, welfare, education and healthcare. These benefits include using AI efficiently and effectively through accessible digital services and automated procedures that enhance citizen experience in accessing public services,” the Seoul Ministerial Statement says. 

One of the summit’s key outcomes is the establishment of an international network of AI safety institutes, with Australia joining this network. 

The Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources will coordinate activities across the nation's AI ecosystem, facilitating engagement between local experts and their international counterparts.

The Seoul Declaration and the accompanying ministerial statements underscore the importance of international cooperation in AI safety research, recognising the need to develop interoperable governance frameworks. 

Earlier this month, the Australian government joined the 47-member AI Process Friends Group, which aims to expand the Hiroshima AI Process Comprehensive Policy Framework beyond the G7 to include the wider Asia-Pacific region.