Freedom Forum welcomes the National Artificial Intelligence Policy (draft), 2025 unveiled by the government. Releasing the policy draft, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (https://giwmscdnone.gov.np/media/pdf_upload/National%20AI%20Policy%20Draft_xxndq2m.pdf ) has sought suggestions and comments from the public on the policy draft, giving only a week's time from February 4, 2025. The 18-page policy draft has 17 points including the past initiatives on IT and digital development to the present needs, challenges, and potentials surrounding IT and AI. In the section 'Need of AI Policy (2.4),' it has stated, "AI would be applied in various sectors to augment research and development, improve governance and public service, create new commercial opportunities, promote innovation, and minimize the risks associated with AI by its regulation." Similarly, in its Goal, the policy document stated: "To increase AI's contribution to the gross domestic products, innovation and industrial promotion, and strengthening of existing mechanisms through sectoral coordination and cooperation." FF believes the policy- the first of its kind- brought by the government would be helpful to lay foundation for modern technological development and create opportunity to reap benefit from AI. FF Executive Chief Taranath Dahal observes, "AI governing mechanism should be wider, rather than limiting it to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology as it is a multi-stakeholder issue, requiring diverse expertise and cooperation. Similarly, transparent, ethical and responsible use of AI is essential to ensure human rights friendly-AI." He also stressed the need for adequate discussions on the document to find additional issues so that it would be more comprehensive and acceptable. With this, FF requests the government to extend the present deadline of a week for feedback submission because it is very short to study and make proper suggestions for correction. FF asks the government for at least a month for it. Also, the civil society, science and education community, academia, technologists, media, and stakeholders are requested to provide feedback on the document to make it more comprehensive. For more information, Freedom Forum
FF requests govt for extension of time to submit feedback on AI Policy draft, urges multi-stakeholders for comments
