Some key issues in the comprehensive AI document are misunderstood

In a specialized panel with the presence of the vice president of technology, innovation and knowledge-based economy of the headquarters of science and technology of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, the head of the artificial intelligence commission of the computer trade union system, the head of the artificial intelligence association of Iran and the national document of artificial intelligence of the country were reviewed. In this meeting, the challenges of drafting the document, requirements of artificial intelligence governance and future-oriented solutions were discussed.

Reviewing the performance and criticisms of the National Document of Artificial Intelligence

Karim Zahedi, Vice President of Technology, Innovation and Knowledge-Based Economy of the Science and Technology Headquarters of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, while expressing his satisfaction with the drafting of the National Artificial Intelligence Document, pointed out some of the challenges in the process of drafting this document. Referring to the long processes in compiling and approving scientific and technological documents, he said: “One of the problems we had in writing this document was the issue of choosing the right words. In order to be able to properly explain and plan the new technology of artificial intelligence, we needed to define words that are acceptable both in the field of culture and in the field of technology. This challenge took a lot of time from the team, but luckily we were able to reach a comprehensive agreement in the end.”

He also mentioned the issue of artificial intelligence governance and stated that the future of governance in Iran should be examined more carefully and deeply. Zahedi added: “In the next version of the document, more attention should be paid to the requirements of artificial intelligence governance and more training workshops and specialized working groups should be held for this issue. Only in this way can we overcome the challenges of this leading technology.”

The need for fundamental changes in the document: a view from the union perspective

Mohammadreza Maboudian, the head of the artificial intelligence commission of the computer trade union system, with a critical look at the process of compiling the document, believes that some key issues in the document are not understood correctly. “We cannot use approaches that were appropriate five years ago,” he said, emphasizing the importance of considering the rapid changes in the global AI landscape. Artificial intelligence is changing rapidly and we need to constantly update our laws and policies to harness the potential of this technology. “In some meetings, the indicators that were considered as the main criteria did not match the existing realities and future needs at all.”

He also pointed to the influence of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution’s comments and added: “In recent months, the Leader of the Revolution has emphasized the necessity of deepening activities in the field of artificial intelligence in various meetings. This technology has deep layers that should be addressed more and we should not look at it only as a practical tool.

Future research of artificial intelligence: solutions and challenges

In this panel, Mohammad Hadi Naseri, the head of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Iran, addressed the issue of future research in the field of artificial intelligence and pointed out the importance of compiling a more comprehensive document in the future. Stating that Iran is facing infrastructural challenges in some areas of artificial intelligence technology, Naseri said: “We must have a document that not only meets the current requirements, but is forward-looking. Issues such as self-driving cars and digital twins to improve energy efficiency are among the priorities that should be addressed.”

He also pointed out the necessity of synchronizing with global developments in the field of artificial intelligence and added: “If we want to have a say in this field in the next ten years, we must adapt our priorities to international trends.” This will only be possible with the development of infrastructure and the creation of a suitable platform for international cooperation.