MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology is seeking public feedback on the draft of its National Artificial Intelligence Policy – a key framework document that aims to ensure optimal utilization of AI technologies, while safeguarding national interests and individual rights.
In a post, the Ministry said the public consultation phase spans the August 2 – 28, 2024 period.
"The Ministry aims to develop a comprehensive national policy for artificial intelligence (AI) that reflects the needs and aspirations of all segments of society. This public consultation serves as an open platform for all relevant stakeholders, inviting individuals, experts, academics, decision-makers, and stakeholders to contribute their opinions and suggestions on various aspects of the policy.”
Interested stakeholders and members of the public can contribute to the survey through an electronic questionnaire on the Ministry’s website. Participants can also refer to the published consultation document by the Ministry which contains a draft of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy and a National Charter for Artificial Intelligence Ethics.
According to the Ministry, the policy aims to provide a governing framework for the use and development of AI technologies, while safeguarding national interests and individual rights. An accompanying National Charter for Artificial Intelligence Ethics, on the other hand, aims to “establish general rules and ethical practices that should be observed when using or developing AI systems to mitigate potential risks and negative impacts, ensuring responsible and safe use.”
Launched in 2021, initiatives aimed at harnessing AI and other advanced technologies represent one of the main pillars of Oman’s Digital Economy Programme, which aims to boost the sector’s contribution from 2 percent currently to 10 per cent of GDP by 2040.
Earlier this year, the Under-Secretary of Communications and Information Technology at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Dr Ali al Shidhani, shared that the volume of investment inflows into the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector in Oman is expected to reach $250 million.
Additionally, he shared that due to the growth of startups in the sector, Oman has attracted $78 million (RO 30 million) worth of investments in the field of Artificial Intelligence in 2023.
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