Former MSNBC presenter Mehdi Hasan urged the government to consider a blueprint similar to the “AI Bill of Rights” currently being mooted in the US.
“Malaysia, like many other countries, has not enacted specific laws or regulations that deal specifically with AI. The government here relies on existing laws.
“(The US’s AI Bill of Rights) is not a legally binding document, but serves as a timely and relevant guide for all of us to understand the threats and opportunities posed by this emerging technology,” he said at the National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE 2024) today.
In 2022, the US White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released the “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights”, outlining a framework for collaboration among the government, tech companies and citizens to ensure greater accountability for AI.
The framework is aimed at ensuring AI systems are safe and effective, protect data privacy, provide transparency in system use, prevent algorithmic discrimination and offer human alternatives when needed.
It is also aimed at guiding the ethical design, development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring the protection of civil rights and the upholding of democratic values.
Hasan also warned about AI’s potential to deceive people, threaten democratic processes and the integrity of free and fair elections.
He cited examples from Bangladesh, Moldova, Slovakia and the US, where AI has been used to create deepfake videos and photos of politicians.
“Generative AI was used in 16 countries to sow doubt, smear opponents and influence debate.
“We no longer contend only with weapons of mass destruction, but with weapons of mass manipulation,” he said, adding that generative AI can also unintentionally create false information, known as “AI hallucinations”, when prompted.
However, he expressed optimism about AI’s future in journalism and media, saying it can automate tasks like data analysis, fact-checking and report creation, allowing journalists to focus on more critical work.
“We can use AI to strengthen democracy by increasing transparency and empowering citizens with access to vast and accurate information.
“We can use AI to make journalism smarter, faster and more responsive to the needs of the public. We can use AI to improve the efficiency and productivity of our workforce and to increase human capital, especially by opening new doors in industries like the media,” he said.
On Sept 20, the science, technology and innovation minister launched national guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE). Although not legally binding, the AIGE aims to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI technology in the country.