Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, providing opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and decision-making. It has not only brought efficiency in our performance and decision-making but also poses unprecedented threats to our democracy, human rights, and governance. The influence of AI is profound, impacting various aspects of society.
Challenges Posed by AI
AI technology has been influencing the ways we communicate, raising concerns about privacy, misinformation, and corporate powers. The unchecked use of AI could potentially violate citizens' rights enshrined in the constitution, leading to a shift in control from government to powerful corporations.
In response to these concerns, governments around the world are beginning to address the regulatory challenges posed by AI.
Regulation in Nepal
The government of Nepal has taken steps to regulate AI through the introduction of the Social Media Bill. This bill aims to impose strict penalties for spreading misinformation through fake accounts using AI bots.
Corporate Influence
The ownership and control of AI are predominantly held by major tech corporations referred to as the 'Fright Five,' which include Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft.
These corporations not only dominate AI development but also prioritize profit over public interest, raising concerns about fairness, competition, and privacy. The control exerted by these tech giants over online discourse and information flow is substantial, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention.
Impact on Democracy
AI-driven social media platforms have been instrumental in shaping public opinion, fueling political polarization, and circulating misinformation.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The rise of AI technology has raised ethical concerns regarding mass surveillance, data privacy, and predictive policing. Governments and tech corporations collect vast amounts of data without explicit consent, leading to privacy violations.
Call for Regulation
Addressing the legal gap in regulating AI governance is crucial to safeguarding democracy and upholding human rights. The implementation of stronger legal frameworks is essential to ensure transparency, data protection, and accountability in AI decision-making.
The ongoing debate on the Social Media Bill in Nepal presents a significant opportunity to mitigate the threats posed by AI and promote responsible AI governance.
