The National Security Podcast AI, rights and rules: who’s accountable in an automated world?
Jun 5, 2025
Sarah Vallée, an AI policy specialist from the UTS Human Technology Institute, and Maria O'Sullivan, an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School, delve into the complexities of AI regulation. They discuss the risks of fragmented global governance and the need for international cooperation, particularly in developing nations. Maria highlights concerns over mass surveillance and the implications of AI on human rights. They emphasize the necessity for human oversight in AI decisions and advocate for Australia to adopt a federal Human Rights Act to protect citizens.
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Episode notes
Fragmentation Vs. Standards
- Fragmentation is possible if major powers diverge, but market access rules (like the EU's) can enforce de facto standards.
- Technical standards (ISO) offer another path to interoperability across jurisdictions.
Adopt A Hybrid Australian AI Law
- Build an Australian approach blending existing laws with a targeted whole-of-economy AI Act.
- Use international cooperation and technical standards to align domestic rules and market access.
AI Opportunities And Limits For The Pacific
- AI can aid Pacific priorities like language revival and climate monitoring but needs renewable energy and infrastructure.
- Resource and energy constraints make equitable AI adoption in the Pacific a governance and aid issue.