In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics are rapidly reshaping fields from healthcare to governance, understanding their potential social impact is critical.
In a compelling opening keynote of the 2023 National Analytics & AI Summit, Data Ethics Philippines founder Dominic Ligot solved these complex problems.
Ligot, who also leads as CEO and CTO of CirroLytix, a forefront AI startup in the Philippines, argued that the “honeymoon” phase with AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Midjourney is over. ChatGPT He is an advanced chatbot developed by OpenAI, capable of extensive and free dialogue. Midjourney, on the other hand, is a generative AI that generates images based on natural language descriptions. We are now at a crossroads between utopian possibilities and dystopian realities. His comprehensive speech revealed his nine pivotal issues, each with utopian and dystopian potential. Two issues had dystopian implications, and seven had the potential for both utopian and dystopian scenarios.
First, he discussed the dichotomy between AI’s potential to create jobs and its potential to eliminate jobs. While technological innovation may make some roles obsolete, history shows that technology creates more jobs than it destroys.
Second, he emphasized the potential of AI in education despite concerns about cheating. Mr. Rigot advocated the active use of AI in education.
Third, he pointed to the need to balance AI-powered creativity and intellectual property rights. A balanced approach enables new creators while protecting existing creators.
The fourth was model development. This is a costly process currently dominated by Silicon Valley. Ligot called for partnerships to be explored to democratize the process.
Fifth, he recognized the digital divide and proposed a comprehensive AI implementation. Areas such as metropolitan areas will benefit from AI tools, but areas with poor internet connectivity will not benefit. He proposed a comprehensive AI implementation that requires both internet access and knowledge.
Privacy became the sixth issue. Despite being perceived as an invasion of privacy, AI has the potential to enhance privacy by anonymizing customer and medical records.
Issue 7 revolved around AI safety and the benefits of secure AI systems. We pay too much attention to dystopian scenarios like “Terminator,” but we need to focus on more mature discussions about automation.
AI disinformation and environmental impacts were identified primarily with dystopian implications. AI can generate fake news, but is less effective at detecting such news. AI also consumes a lot of power, and currently there is no substitute for these energy-intensive processes.
Following the keynote, I interviewed Riggott about his ideas for deterring the potential misuse of AI and better understanding its risks. Quoting his reply, his four recommendations are:
1. Education. Just like Project Sparta (https://sparta.dap.edu.ph/), we should propose a mass education campaign on AI fundamentals targeting his 1% in the Philippines. Countries such as Finland are already doing this, [such campaigns] We have the potential to make great strides towards the responsible adoption of AI at all levels.
2. Accountability. Inspired by existing processes such as the National Privacy Commission’s Privacy Impact Assessment, AI impact assessments can be introduced as part of government or private sector procurement processes. This promotes transparency and due diligence when implementing AI in any project, and also helps assign accountability.
3. Standard. Like ISO, a set of good practices should be shared as an ambitious model for individuals and companies to follow. It doesn’t necessarily punish those who don’t follow the standards, but rewards those who do. And like some ISO standards (such as ISO 9001 for quality), this AI standard could be a requirement for AI projects.
4. Encourage research but regulate use. AI research helps keep pace with the world and should not be restricted, but there may be some degree of oversight in the use of research output to avoid abuse.
Ligot’s insights highlight the critical role AI and analytics are playing in shaping our future. This responsibility belongs to all of us, not just technical experts. Now it’s our turn to act collectively. We have the power to steer the path away from a dystopian future and into a more utopian one.
