ASEAN: Adopted ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics including Principles and Design Requirements

On 2 February 2024, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN) adopted the Guide on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Ethics, including design and principles to be followed to ensure the development of trustworthy systems. The guide is addressed to entities developing and deploying commercial AI systems and non-military or dual-use applications. The guide aims to ensure the interoperability of AI regulatory frameworks and outlines recommendations for governments to follow at the national and regional levels. The guide includes 7 principles fundamental to the responsible design, development, and deployment of AI technologies. Namely, transparency and explainability, fairness and equity, security and safety, robustness and reliability, human-centricity, privacy and data governance and accountability and integrity. In terms of internal governance structures and measures, the guide recommends establishing a multi-disciplinary, central governing body, such as an AI Ethics Advisory Board, to oversee AI governance efforts and provide guidance on ethical considerations. Further, it recommends clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the responsible design, development, and/or deployment of AI systems to ensure accountability and adherence to ethical principles.