Voters want stronger action on AI. Can NZ afford to keep taking a soft approach?

Key points

• New Zealand's government favours a light-touch approach to artificial intelligence, relying mainly on existing laws rather than specific AI rules. Surveys show many New Zealanders want stronger regulation.
• Critics point to past problems with automated decision-making in government, including a 2018 immigration case alleged to involve racial profiling. Experts argue that overseas-owned AI systems raise questions about data, control and tax, and that any approach must reflect te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori data sovereignty.
• The next government faces a choice on how far to go.