As the wave of generative AI sweeps across
the globe, how can government departments embrace technological innovation
while upholding safety and ethical bottom lines? The Taiwan E-Governance
Research Center (TEG) held its "Annual Digital Governance Research Results
Presentation" on May 6, 2025, with the first session focusing on an
in-depth discussion of the "Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework
for Governments." The session was chaired by Keng-Yu Yang, Deputy Director
General, Department of Digital Government, Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda),
and featured Hsien-Lee Tseng, Deputy Director of the E-Governance Research
Center, who shared the latest research findings. Together with experts from
industry, government, and academia, they analyzed Taiwan's AI governance
blueprint.
International Perspective: From Risk Management to Impact Assessment
Deputy Director Hsien-Lee Tseng pointed out
that global AI governance has formed three major camps: the EU, emphasizing
human rights and regulations; the US and UK, pursuing extreme development and
low regulation; and China and Russia, guided by national sovereignty. It is
noteworthy that during the Trump administration, the US shifted its governance
mindset from "risk" to "impact," treating AI as a general
technology application subject to accountability. The research team observed
that Taiwan's current AI governance is moving towards a balanced approach that
emphasizes human rights protection, digital rights, and public sector
transformation.
Taiwan's Practice: The Current Status and Challenges of AI Applications in the Public Sector
The research team used GPT to
collaboratively analyze over 100 AI application projects in the Taiwanese
government, finding that AI has penetrated diverse scenarios such as fire image
recognition, sewage pipe inspection, and even tap water leak detection.
However, the public sector also faces six major gaps in deploying AI, including
funding, regulations, and personnel qualifications.
To assist organizations in more systematically adopting AI, the Digital Governance Research Center has proposed "Eight Key Elements of AI Governance":
- Awareness: Recognizing that AI can improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Literacy: Enhancing colleagues' ability to distinguish between AI illusions and information security risks.
- Model Evaluation: Establishing an internal evaluation mechanism.
- Compliant Use: Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
- Formal Deployment: Implementing practical applications.
- Education and Training: Continuously strengthening colleagues' operational capabilities.
- Effectiveness Evaluation: Tracking the tangible impact of AI.
- Continuous Iteration: Using a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to refine processes based on feedback.
Experts Suggest: Give AI a Touch of "Humanity" and "Rule of Law"
Experts offered valuable suggestions for
this framework from different perspectives:
1. Humanity and Categorization:
Chih-Chien Jau, Director of the Department
of Statistics, Ministry of the Interior, suggested that the governance
framework should be more "human," using easily understandable
categorization methods (such as data collection, analysis, application, and
provision), and shared 90 AI application experiences compiled by the Ministry
of the Interior.
2. Technology and Education:
Jyi-Shane Liu, Professor & Dean,
College of Informatics, National Chengchi University, likened AI to a "new
Manhattan Project," emphasizing that AI's impact on civilization is
overwhelming, and that AI-literate talent should be systematically cultivated
through "AI+X" credit programs.
3. Law and Defense:
Ken-Ying Tseng, Partner, Lee and Li,
Attorneys-at-Law, emphasized from a legal perspective that confidentiality is
paramount, especially when using generative AI. She stressed the strict
prohibition of inputting confidential information and the importance of
national security and personal data protection.
Future Outlook: Sovereign AI and Public Value
Looking to the future, Deputy Director Hsien-Lee
Tseng stressed the importance of "Sovereign AI," including the
establishment of a Traditional Chinese corpus and avoiding vendor lock-in. The
Ministry of Digital Development is also actively drafting the "Basic Law
on Artificial Intelligence" and promoting AI evaluation centers, aiming to
achieve a balance between innovation and trustworthiness.
This presentation not only showcased
fruitful research findings but also conveyed a core message: AI is not only a
technological breakthrough but also an opportunity to transform public
governance models. The ultimate value of AI governance lies in freeing civil
servants from repetitive tasks and allowing them to engage in more valuable
decision-making and innovation.