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Stafford Masie slams SA's draft AI policy for regulating a sector before it is built
Stafford Masie, former CEO of Google South Africa, says the government's draft AI policy plans seven new regulatory bodies before basic infrastructure exists. He wants AI infrastructure declared a national priority first, with governance to follow.
Tech Investor Masie Criticizes Government's Draft AI Policy
Stafford Masie, former CEO of Google South Africa and a prominent tech investor, has criticized the government's draft AI policy for proposing regulation before the sector's infrastructure exists.
The draft policy envisions creating seven new institutional bodies without first investing in foundational infrastructure, Masie said. He argues this approach puts the cart before the horse.
Masie calls for declaring AI infrastructure a national strategic priority. Building the technical foundation should come first, he contends, followed by appropriate governance structures.
The criticism highlights a core tension in government policy-making: how to regulate emerging sectors responsibly without stifling development. Masie's position reflects a common view among tech leaders that premature regulation can slow investment and innovation.
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