Chen Xiaoguang, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, conducted a field survey on artificial intelligence (AI)-related ethical and legal issues in the leading tech company Baidu in Beijing on Oct 15.

Members of the Committee on Social and Legal Affairs under the CPPCC National Committee also participated in the survey.

AI is a strategic technology leading to a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Chen said, noting that developing a new generation of AI is an important strategic path for China to gain the initiative in global science and technology competition and a major strategic resource for achieving leapfrog development in industrial optimization and productivity upgrade.

He called for joint efforts of the government, enterprises, institutes of higher education and the public and suggested giving full play to their varied advantages. He also suggested formulating laws and regulations, institutional systems, and ethical and moral rules to ensure the AI sector's healthy development.

Government departments should supervise and regulate that development, respect the development patterns of emerging technologies including AI, balance innovative development and risk governance and set up a complete system to create a favorable environment for the industry with an open, rational and inclusive attitude, Chen stated.

Chen also urged enterprises, which are major developers and holders of AI technology, to carry out pilot programs while shouldering their corresponding social responsibilities. They need to become the backbone of implementing AI governance rules and industrial standards, said Chen.

During the survey trip, the CPPCC team exchanged ideas with executives of Chinese AI heavyweight Baidu and experts from the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence.