Malta’s Ethical AI Framework

Strategies and Action Plans

The ‘Malta Ethical AI Framework’ is a comprehensive approach outlined by the Maltese government to ensure the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an ethical and trustworthy manner.

Objectives of the Malta Ethical AI Framework

The Maltese government developed this framework with four primary objectives in mind:

  1. Respect for Laws and Human Rights: Ensure that AI systems respect all applicable laws and regulations, as well as fundamental human rights and democratic values.
  2. Maximisation of Benefits and Minimisation of Risks: Promote the benefits of AI while preventing and minimising its potential risks.
  3. Alignment with International Standards: Ensure that Malta’s AI practices align with emerging international standards and norms around AI ethics.
  4. Human-Centric Approach: Design AI systems in a manner that is centered on human needs, rights, and values.

Ethical AI Principles

The framework is built on four ethical principles that are crucial for establishing trustworthy AI:

  1. Human Autonomy: AI systems must allow humans to maintain self-determination over themselves. This includes not coercing or deceiving humans, augmenting human abilities, and ensuring meaningful human oversight.
  2. Prevention of Harm: AI systems must be designed and operated in a way that does not cause harm to humans, the environment, or other living beings.
  3. Fairness: AI must be fair in its development, deployment, and operation. This includes avoiding biassed outcomes and ensuring equitable access to AI benefits.
  4. Explicability: AI systems should be understandable and challengeable by end-users and the public, allowing for transparency and accountability.

Trustworthy AI Requirements

The framework also outlines specific requirements for achieving Trustworthy AI:

  • Human Agency: Ensuring that AI systems do not infringe on fundamental human rights and maintain appropriate levels of human oversight.
  • Privacy and Data Governance: Protecting individuals’ privacy rights and ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the AI lifecycle.
  • Explainability and Transparency: AI systems should be traceable, and their operations should be understandable to affected individuals.
  • Well-being: Minimising the environmental and social impacts of AI systems, while ensuring they contribute positively to society and democracy.
  • Accountability: Ensuring that AI systems are auditable, with mechanisms in place for redress in case of harm caused by AI.
  • Fairness and Lack of Bias: Avoiding unfair bias in AI systems and ensuring they are accessible and cater to diverse populations.
  • Performance and Safety: Ensuring AI systems are accurate, reliable, and resilient against attacks, with fallback plans in place for unexpected situations.

Governance and Control Practices

To meet the ethical AI principles and trustworthy AI requirements, the framework emphasizes robust governance and control practices. This includes:

  • Establishing internal governance mechanisms, including roles like Ethics Officers.
  • Ensuring quality control in AI operations management.
  • Implementing processes to identify and mitigate risks throughout the AI lifecycle.
  • Engaging with stakeholders and maintaining transparency with users and affected individuals.

AI Certification

Malta is also developing the world’s first national AI certification program. This certification will be based on the Ethical AI Framework and aims to recognize AI systems developed in an ethically aligned, transparent, and socially responsible manner. This initiative aligns with Malta’s vision to become a leading hub for trustworthy AI development.