South Africa’s AI Policy Withdrawn As A Result Of AI-Generated ‘Fictitious Sources’ Being Cited – AfroTech
A draft AI policy in South Africa has been withdrawn.
Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy
The Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy aims to coordinate across research and development, talent cultivation, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure AI is leveraged to establish a digital society, digital economy, and digital inclusion across South Africa. Overall, the AI framework aims to drive economic growth, improve society’s well-being, and position the country as a leader in AI innovation, according to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Why It’s Been Withdrawn
While the policy was presented as well-intended, it has now been withdrawn. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi took to LinkedIn to share a statement clarifying the matter. The reason cited was that AI-generated “fictitious sources” were included in the policy without proper verification. Internal questions were conducted to confirm the matter. He acknowledged that this should not have happened and that the failure lay with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy,” Malatsi said in a LinkedIn post. “As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial intelligence Policy. South Africans deserve better. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa‘s digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. This should not have happened. In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical.”
He continued, “It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance.”
