Aige Building Trust In Ai Through Policymaking And Governance

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From Chin Shong ChianArtificial intelligence-driven smart technology is transforming the world like never before. There is no question about it. With just a tap of your fingertip, the possibilities are endless – almost anytime, anywhere.
Helpful information, enhanced productivity, faster decisions and so on, the future of AI is brimming with boundless potential.
Billions of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers, televisions, cars, medical devices, are in use across the world.
AI is outsmarting humansOne thing is for sure, AI is a game-changer that has been inspiring the innovation of such inventions in this digital era.
Obviously, data-driven AI is simply present in every aspect of our lives, across different industries. And it can only get smarter with the capability of outsmarting humans effortlessly.
Yet, what may look overwhelmingly promising can also become a subject of abuse, by the 
hands and brains that invented it.
Mind you, AI is pervasive. It just 
follows you everywhere and is capable of tracking, recording, logging, listening and interpreting your words and the data you input.
More amazingly, AI can also mimic your voice and appearance. And worse, AI is being used by certain syndicates for criminal purposes such as scamming, data theft, copyright infringement, and spreading fake news.
Public privacy, safety and security under threatLove it or hate it, the ever powerful AI is advancing faster than anticipated, leaving humans to play catch-up. It is like a double-edged sword, especially when human privacy, public safety and security are at stake.
Therefore, regulating the use of AI is certainly something not to be overlooked. The governance of AI has to be mapped out comprehensively, in terms of integrity, accountability, transparency and fairness – for all stakeholders.
In other words, safeguarding the AI technology against misuse is now a top priority for many nations, considering the risks and dangers are real.
Examples of legislative framework on AI include the European Union’s AI Act, the US’s executive order on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of AI, and Singapore’s model AI governance framework.
With Malaysia becoming a data centre powerhouse in Southeast Asia, AI is making big waves across different industries from cloud computing to banking, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation and marketing.
National guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE) – balancing innovation and ethicsThe key question here is: how can we ensure the development of AI is sustainable, ethical and socially responsible?
The science, technology and innovation ministry has introduced the AIGE framework, putting in place specific guidelines for three main categories, namely users and the public, policymakers, and providers or developers of AI-based technology
The framework emphasises the principles of responsible AI, including AI for social good, building trust in AI, and the global-local approach, in line with the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025.
Despite being touted as a proactive step in addressing the potential AI harms, a common legislation remains a challenge simply because the 
one-size-fits-all solutions may not be applicable in certain circumstances, given the multi-faceted capability of AI.
This means that managing the risks of AI calls for international coordination among different stakeholders with different interests, values, and perceptions.
Everything starts with trustAI systems should be designed and deployed to augment human capabilities, not replace them entirely. And of course, to be used ethically for social good.
After all, trust is vital for AI adoption. The AIGE framework helps build public confidence by guiding policymakers, developers and users in creating transparent, accountable and fair AI systems.
As the smart technology reshapes how we work, interact and live, we must keep in mind that a well governed AI landscape will contribute to a more sustainable future with new competitive edge and opportunities for our nation to shine globally. - FMT
Chin Shong Chian is an FMT reader.The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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