On August 22, 2024, the Singapore Computer Society, with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), released the AI Ethics & Governance Body of Knowledge Version 2.0 (BoK 2.0). This latest edition represents a significant advancement in the ongoing effort to guide the ethical and responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Background

BoK 2.0 was developed in response to the rapid advancements in AI technologies, and their increasing integration into everyday applications and solutions. The updated framework addresses practical issues related to human safety, fairness, privacy, data governance and general ethical values in AI deployment.

The first edition, Bok 1.0, was launched in October 2020. However, the rapid emergence of generative AI (GenAI), particularly following the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, brought in new risks that need to be managed and new areas of AI governance that need to be addressed. This prompted a significant revision and BoK 1.1 was released in September 2023. Now that AI is entrenched in our collective consciousness, BoK 2.0 comes at a critical juncture as the importance of applying AI ethics in a principled manner has never been more critical.

This third iteration is built on the principles of IMDA’s Model AI Governance Framework and serves as a comprehensive guide to defining what constitutes ethical AI implementation. It highlights the significant enhancements in AI, addresses the diverse needs of stakeholders and emphasises Singapore’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and excellence in the development and deployment of AI.

The Four Pillars For Ethical AI Adoption

BoK 2.0 is structured around four foundational pillars that address the ethical challenges associated with AI adoption:

1. Internal Governance – BoK 2.0 underscores the importance of adapting existing governance structures or establishing new ones to incorporate values, risks and responsibilities related to algorithmic decision-making.
2. Operations Management – This pillar focuses on the operational aspects of AI development, including data management, model selection and maintenance.
3. Human-centricity – Recognising the critical role of human judgment in AI-augmented decision-making, BoK 2.0 introduces a methodology to help organisations determine their risk appetite for the use of AI and the appropriate level of human involvement.
4. Stakeholder Communications – Effective communication with stakeholders is crucial for responsible AI governance and this pillar provides strategies for managing relationships with an organisation’s stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to AI governance.

Differentiating Features of BoK 2.0

BoK 2.0 stands out with its comprehensive coverage and strategic focus. Four key aspects set this version apart:

1. Scope & Focus – BoK 2.0 has evolved from a narrow AI focus to a comprehensive consolidation of AI and GenAI technologies. The framework’s scope has broadened to be relevant to a diverse range of stakeholders, from initially targeting developers with an introductory toolkit to encompassing practitioners with deeper insights into both AI and GenAI applications.
2. Contributions & Governance – The authorship profile of Bok 2.0 has expanded beyond developers to include a mix of vendors and end-users. This inclusive approach ensures that the governance structures outlined are robust, with specialised roles focused on regulatory and compliance issues.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Vertical Integration – Stakeholder communication strategies have matured, with a comprehensive focus on compliance, legal frameworks and vertical market applications. The framework now encompasses sectors beyond banking and financial services to include legal, healthcare, education, transportation, services and the arts, demonstrating the broad applicability of AI solutions.
4. Case Studies and Skillsets – BoK 2.0 includes detailed use cases and real-world examples that provide practical insights into the application of AI technologies. The skillsets required for AI teams have been refined to include AI ethics embedding and project management, ensuring that teams are equipped to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions.

Moving forward

As AI continues to evolve, it is important to build and maintain stakeholder confidence through responsible AI governance. BoK 2.0 provides a timely and necessary update that reflects the changing landscape of AI technologies. By offering a comprehensive, inclusive and practical framework, BoK 2.0 empowers organisations to navigate the ethical challenges of AI adoption while fostering innovation and maintaining stakeholder trust. As AI advances, BoK 2.0 will serve as an essential resource for ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in alignment with ethical principles and societal values.