<2> Does Canada Need Nationalized, Public AI?
<3> The Case for Public AI in Canada
Canada’s security professional Bruce Schneier and Harvard data scientist Nathan Sanders recently published an essay in Canada’s most widely-read newspaper, calling for the development of a nationalized, public AI model. This public AI model would be built and funded by Canada for Canadians, as public infrastructure. The benefits of such a model would include access to AI without dependence on the U.S. or other countries, and the ability to prioritize practical use by Canadians over global scale and corporate profit.
<3> The Need for Public AI in Canada
While Canada has many of the building blocks for public AI, including world-class AI research institutions and substantial funding, the current approach is focused on attracting private capital. However, this approach has its drawbacks, including the potential for AI to be used for purposes that are not in the best interests of Canadians. Public AI systems, on the other hand, can incorporate mechanisms for genuine public input and democratic oversight on critical ethical questions.
<3> The Benefits of Public AI
Public AI systems can provide a number of benefits, including:
<4> < href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/01/canada