The chief justice of Canada’s Supreme Court has issued a new report highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, but also warning of the risks of relying too heavily on such tools in the upcoming contentious election year.
Chief Justice Richard Wagner said that while AI can provide enormous benefits, its potential should be carefully considered and used judiciously. He warned that AI-enabled research and decision-making must be carried out responsibly, and that automated processes must be subject to strict application of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other applicable legal considerations.
The report also examined the potential for use of digital technology in the electoral process, including voting and counting, and pointed to the need for judicial consideration of the cyber security and privacy risks posed by these digital resources. The report emphasized that AI use in decision-making must meet the highest standards of accuracy and public trust.
The Supreme Court chief justice’s forthright warnings come as Canada prepares to go to the polls in a federal election later this year. The new report provides an important reminder that the use of technology and digital resources should be weighed carefully and should be monitored closely to ensure responsible use – even in the most heated and contentious of times.
