Verifying AI: will Singapore’s experiment with AI governance set the benchmark?

Abstract

The rise of generative AI programmes like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Midjourney has generated both fascination and apprehension in society. While the possibilities of generative AI seem boundless, concerns about ethical violations, disinformation, and job displacement have ignited anxieties. The Singapore government established the AI Verify Foundation in June 2023 to address these issues in collaboration with major tech companies like Aicadium, Google, IBM, IMDA, Microsoft, Red Hat, and Salesforce, alongside numerous general members. This public-private partnership aims to promote the development and adoption of an open-source testing tool for fostering responsible AI usage through engaging the global community. The foundation also seeks to promote AI testing via education, outreach, and as a neutral platform for collaboration. This initiative reflects a potential governance model for AI that balances public interests with commercial agendas. This article analyses the foundation’s efforts and the AI Verify testing framework and toolkit to identify strengths, potential and limitations to distil key takeaways for establishing practicable solutions for AI governance.