Govt releases first-ever concept paper on AI usage, practices

KATHMANDU: For the first time, the government has prepared a Concept Paper on the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The concept paper was developed to establish the foundation for formulating relevant policies and laws regarding AI usage and operations. This initiative comes in response to the country's lack of such policies and regulations and considering the global trend of increasing AI adoption and development.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) constituted a technical committee to create the concept paper after nearly five months of study. Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta coordinated the five-member committee, as directed by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma.

The committee members include MoCIT Under-Secretary Narayan Timilsina, Information Technology Director Pabitra Dangol from the MoCIT's Information Technology Department, and Lecturer Baburam Dawadi from the Institute of Engineering. Additionally, MoCIT's computer engineer Surya Prakash Upadhyay serves as the member-secretary.

Formed on January 19, the technical committee prepared a comprehensive report on the concept paper, which was subsequently presented to the MoCIT.

The report provides recommendations for the government to enact necessary policies, laws, and procedures for AI development, use, and regulation.

Highlighting the importance of addressing cyber security, data protection, and privacy at the policy level, the report suggests formulating a national AI policy. It also recommends creating a national strategy, a data protection framework, and legal foundations for AI use and user privacy. Furthermore, the report emphasises aligning these standards with international policies and laws related to data safety and protection.

MoCIT Under-Secretary Timilsina, a member of the Concept Paper Preparation Technical Committee, shares that the report proposes building an integrated structure for exchanging AI-related information through a national portal. The report also advocates prioritising research, development, and AI adoption. Additionally, running programmes to accelerate AI use is recommended.

The report underscores the need to promote privacy protection, transparency, and accountability. It calls for increased investment and collaboration in AI development and utilisation.

The concerned sectors are encouraged to prioritise AI development and adoption in their policies, strategies, and programmes.