South Africa created an AI policy then had to rescind it once it turned out that the AI policy had been generated by AI. The policy was published for less than three weeks before it was discovered that it contained "various fictitious sources in its reference list." In other words, the drafters of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy used AI to write the policy and the AI then lied.
The AI invented citations, misattributed research, and backed the principles of the policy with fabricated sources. The government will have to redo it before opening it again for public comment. Apparently, no one in government fact-checked the AI-generated document for accuracy; they just trusted what it spit out.
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi was among those officials who did not fact-check the document. Malatsi put out a statement that said that it was after the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy was published for public comment that the revelations were made.
"Following revelations that the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy published for public comment contains various fictitious sources in its reference list, we initiated internal questions which have now confirmed that this was the case," he wrote.
"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 intelligence Policy.
"South Africans deserve better. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa's digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included 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 responsible for drafting and quality assurance."
Malatsi said that he had asked for an investigation into the AI preparation of the AI policy and for action to be taken "against anyone found to be responsible for any wrongdoing."
The purpose of the National Artificial intelligence Policy Framework in 2024 was intended "to integrate AI technologies to drive economic growth, enhance societal well-being, and position South Africa as a leader in AI innovation. Its core objective is to foster a robust AI ecosystem through coordinated research and development, talent cultivation, and infrastructure enhancement. This holistic approach ensures that AI acts as a catalyst for a digital society, digital economy, and digital inclusion, benefiting all South Africans."
This new policy was building on the "foundational principles laid out" in that framework. This new document was intended to introduce "expanded strategic pillars, and strategic building blocks leveraging on sector-specific applications that place greater emphasis on inclusive growth, capacity development, and safeguarding human rights. These measures are rooted in the fundamental role played by the Nation’s Constitution, as well as the Bill of Rights therein."
DRAFT SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY by The Post Millennial
