South African Department Investigates AI Policy Withdrawal
Communication and Digital Technologies Minister Soli Malazi said his department is investigating the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. The error occurred while the government was attempting to develop policies for the responsible use of AI. Experts described the issue as digital hallucinations where plausible-sounding but non-existent quotes were included. The responsible ministry is currently revising the draft from the ground up. The failure to verify sources has reportedly compromised a document intended to be a political breakthrough for the nation. A spokesperson told the SABC that the situation should not have occurred. Two officials from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. The announcement was made by SABC news reporter Undi Lambana.
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Sources · 7 independent
“Communication and digital technologies minister Soli Malazi says his department is looking into the matter of the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.”
“Malazi withdrew the Communication and digital technologies minister Soli Malazi says his department is looking into the matter of the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.”
“Malazi withdrew the draft policy after re-evaluations by the department that it contains fictitious sources and its references. He says his department will treat the matter with the gravity it deserves.”
“The SAPS and IPED are currently briefing the portfolio committee on police on their 2026-27 budget and annual performance plan, including their strategic plan.”
“comprehensive roadmap of crime-related challenges and planned responses in the 2026 state of the nation address, which provides direction for key departments within the Justice Crime Prevention and Security”
“a total of eight crime-related key results areas and issues were specified All of which requires a direct response from the subs in collaboration with key JCP.”
“Minister Soli Malazi will soon be hauled before parliament to account for the withdrawal of the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Malazi withdrew the draft AI policy after it was revealed that it contains fictitious sources in its references.”
“the committee will process two complaints against the department. Fortunately, consequences are going to have to follow and parliament does demand accountability from the minister in this regard.”
“Der Entwurf einer nationalen Richtlinie zur Regulierung der künstlichen Intelligenz ist offenbar vom zuständigen Ministerium mit Hilfe eines KI-Systems erstellt worden. Die KI hat dabei laut einem Medienbericht nicht nur Fehler gemacht, sondern auch Zitate und Quellenangaben erfunden.”
“dieser Entwurf von der Regierung zurückgezogen. Eine interne Untersuchung soll jetzt kli-”
“Was da passiert ist, hätte nicht passieren dürfen, sagte er in einem Gespräch mit dem öffentlich-rechtlichen Nachrichtenkanal SABC. Es ist eine massive Blamage, nicht nur für das Ministerium, sondern für die Regierung insgesamt”
“Eine KI-Richtlinie erstellt von künstlicher Intelligenz mit teilweise erfundenen Der Regierung in Südafrika fällt das jetzt auf die Füße.”
“Was da passiert ist, hätte nicht passieren dürfen, sagte er in einem Gespräch mit dem öffentlich-rechtlichen Nachrichtenkanal SABC. Es ist ein massiver Empathie.”
“Ich denke, dass wir hier das Kind nicht mit dem Bade ausschütten sollten. Vielmehr handelt es sich um wichtige Lehren, die wir daraus ziehen werden.”
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