Malatsi Withdraws Flawed Draft National Artificial Intelligent Policy Document - Blames ‘AI-generated Citations’
I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has withdrawn the Draft National Artificial Policy Document published for comment after he found it contained various “AI-generated citations” or fictitious sources in its reference list, the department said in a statement released on Sunday.
“We initiated internal questions which have confirmed that this was the case. This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Policy.
“South Africa deserves better. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on a standard that is acceptable for an institution tasked with the role to lead South Africa’s digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were used without proper verification. This should not have happened.
“In fact this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those drafting and quality assurance”.
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