TECH4GOOD
Intense AI conversations continue as we watch how this technology rapidly transforms our world. Its impact is beginning to be felt in almost every aspect of our lives. But why should everyone care about AI today?
Some weekends back, I had the opportunity to speak about artificial intelligence before the senior citizens of our neighborhood community. Before my presentation, I could see the excitement in their eyes and smiles, eagerly anticipating what I would teach them about AI. Most of them have read and heard about AI but are unsure what it is about and why they should care about it. Near the end of my talk, I had them try some popular generative AI tools today using their mobile phones. You could see how mesmerized they were to see how those tools could almost instantly respond to simple prompts like writing poems, short speeches, and images.
AI’s impact on daily life is just beginning to emerge. Convenience and efficiency, healthcare advancements, and education are just some areas where this technology will positively impact. Businesses will be transformed, leading to economic growth and prosperity.
While having the potential to solve global challenges like climate change, poverty, and disease, we also need to keep in mind its negative impacts, such as job displacement on a massive scale or even threats to human existence. We should be ready to face issues of bias and fairness, privacy concerns, and questions about accountability and liability, particularly in areas such as self-driving cars.
The societal transformation AI brings is just starting, but this early, we need to ask ourselves if the benefits are evenly distributed. An emerging AI divide that we are beginning to see threatens to widen existing socioeconomic disparities, creating a world where those with access to and expertise in AI thrive while others are left behind.
The AI divide manifests in several ways. First, there is a geographic divide. Developed nations and regions, with their robust technological infrastructure and research institutions, are at the forefront of AI development and deployment. Conversely, many developing countries, rural regions, and sectors lack the necessary resources and expertise to harness AI's full potential.
There is already a profound digital divide, with those with access to the internet and digital devices enjoying more significant opportunities to benefit from technologies than those without. There is also the skills divide, as AI requires a specialized skill set that is not evenly distributed across the population. Finally, there's the resource divide. Developing and deploying AI systems requires substantial financial resources, infrastructure, and data, often concentrated in a few geographic locations.
The consequences of an AI divide can be far-reaching. It can exacerbate economic inequality, limit access to essential services, and hinder social progress. For example, AI-powered healthcare systems could improve diagnosis and treatment, but if access to these systems is limited to certain populations, it could widen health disparities. Similarly, AI-driven job automation could lead to significant job losses in specific sectors, disproportionately affecting those with lower levels of education and skills.
Addressing the AI divide and promoting inclusive growth is crucial for ensuring that AI benefits everyone. Unlocking the opportunities requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, businesses, academia, and civil society.
Investing in digital infrastructure is paramount, where expanding broadband access to underserved areas is given priority. This includes building robust telecommunications networks and providing affordable internet plans. The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Act bill will surely help achieve this.
Education and training are essential. Curriculums should be updated to include AI and data science subjects from primary to higher education. Vocational training programs can equip individuals with the skills to work in AI-related fields. Moreover, lifelong learning initiatives can help workers adapt to the changing job market. Again, initiatives in this area should be inclusive to ensure that no sector is left behind.
Data equity is crucial. Efforts must be made to collect and curate diverse and representative datasets. Open-source AI models and tools can also help democratize access to AI technology.
Ethical considerations must guide AI development and deployment. AI systems should be designed and used to respect human rights, privacy, and dignity. Bias audits and impact assessments can help identify and mitigate potential harm.
Finally, fostering collaboration is essential. Governments, businesses, academia, and civil society should collaborate to develop AI strategies and policies. Government agencies should stop taking a fragmented approach to developing AI governance frameworks. This writer is often asked, “Who is really in charge?”
Addressing the AI divide is not merely a social justice issue but also an economic imperative. By ensuring that AI benefits everyone, we can unlock new sources of innovation, create jobs, and improve the overall well-being of every Filipino. The time to bridge the AI divide is now.
(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: [email protected])