Singapore urges AI chatbot providers to display 'information cards'
Singapore (ANTARA) - Singapore on Monday (20 July) urged providers of generative artificial intelligence (AI) conversational chatbots to present important information in plain language through “chatbot information cards”, a key component of the newly launched voluntary Transparency Guidelines for Generative AI Chatbots.
The guidelines, launched at the Singapore Data Festival by Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, recommend that chatbot providers clearly disclose the chatbot’s capabilities and limitations, its safety and reliability practices, data usage and protection, and channels for reporting complaints.
Teo said the information users need is often presented in a fragmented manner. She likened the information cards to medicine labels, providing one centralised place where users can easily find key information about a chatbot.
The information cards may be provided in various formats, such as a dedicated webpage or an explanatory document, but must be written in language that is simple, easy to understand and accessible.
Chatbot providers are also encouraged to update the information whenever significant changes occur that affect the chatbot’s capabilities, risks or safety policies.
According to a statement from Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority, a number of organisations, including global AI companies Google and Meta, as well as major companies deploying AI in Singapore such as DBS, OCBC, Singapore Airlines and Synapxe, have indicated that they intend to use the guidelines as a reference over the next six to twelve months.
The statement said the guidelines currently focus on generative AI chatbots because of their scale, their high level of interaction with consumers, and growing public concerns relating to data privacy, the safety of minors, and risks to mentally vulnerable users.
At the opening of the five-day Singapore Data Festival, the Singapore government also launched several other initiatives, including practical guidance to help companies adopt digital twin technology, and advisory guidelines on the use of personal data in generative AI.