The evolution and ethical challenges of AI
Artificial intelligence has evolved significantly since its conceptual beginnings in the late 1940s with pioneers like Alan Turing and John von Neumann. The pivotal year of 1956 saw AI researchers demonstrate the theoretical ability of a machine to solve any problem with unlimited memory, a notion that fundamentally challenged our understanding of the potential of machines.
In 1965, AI technologies like Shakey the Robot and ELIZA facilitated basic human-machine interactions, paving the way for today.
sophisticated virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa.
As we stand on the cusp of what many consider a technological renaissance, rapid advances in AI are not only a testament to human ingenuity, but also pose profound ethical questions. How can we reconcile the incessant search for innovation with the imperative to protect human values?
Several countries around the world have taken necessary steps to govern the use of AI, reflecting a growing recognition of the impact of AI on society. Three global regulatory frameworks are being adopted: the rights-based model (EU), the state-based model (China), and the market-based model (US).
Implementation of the framework can either be a soft approach through guidelines and standards, or a hard approach such as legislation. The selection of suitable frameworks and approaches depends on the adoption and implementation of AI in the country.
Malaysia’s response to the socio-economic impact of AI
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) remains committed to navigating these turbulent waters by integrating ethical considerations into the fabric of our AI strategies. In 2022, the unveiling of the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (AI-Rmap) for 2021-2025 marked a strategic commitment to ethical AI, aiming to harness the transformative potential of AI while while preserving societal values of fairness and transparency.
But what happens when AI systems, designed to be fair, inadvertently perpetuate bias? How can we address such unintended consequences, and who is held responsible?
The roadmap champions responsible AI practices in three main areas: community, government agencies, and industry. Yet as AI permeates sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and public safety, governing its influence becomes critically important. It’s not just about adhering to high standards: it’s about actively fostering an understanding and dialogue about how AI technologies should be used.
operated responsibly.
Consider the case of WISE AI, which uses AI for digital customer onboarding in full compliance with ethical guidelines. Or Anhsin Technology’s AI chatbot that improves educational experiences. These examples reflect successful integration of AI, but they also raise important questions: Are we doing enough to ensure that these technologies are accessible to all levels of society? How can we ensure that these innovations benefit
not just a few, but the many?
The development of AI Governance and Ethics (AIGE) is a starting point for the country institutionalizing responsible AI. Several initiatives are underway, such as measuring responsible AI principles, risks and compliance of AI ethics with current laws and regulations, as well as developing guides and ethics specific to AI for sectoral use.
AIGE aims to combat several potential misuses of AI technology that can have serious ethical and societal repercussions. One of the main concerns is the invasion of privacy by surveillance technologies using facial recognition, which can be used in ways that infringe on individual rights. Another problem is the deployment of AI in decision-making processes that lack transparency, such as credit scoring or hiring.
practices, where AI can perpetuate bias and lead to discrimination against marginalized groups. Additionally, AI-powered disinformation campaigns pose significant threats to public discourse and democracy. By establishing guidelines for the ethical use of AI, AIGE seeks to prevent such abuses, ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of society.
To mitigate these risks, AIGE offers several strategies that involve both preventive measures and corrective actions. It highlights the importance of transparency in AI algorithms to enable audits and accountability, ensuring that AI decisions can be explained and are free from bias. He also advocates the inclusion of diverse datasets when training AI models to reduce the risk of unintentional discrimination.
Additionally, AIGE supports the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of operating AI systems to quickly identify and correct any misuse or harmful outcomes. These strategies demonstrate a proactive approach to governance, aimed at upholding ethical standards and protecting citizens from potential harms associated with AI technologies.
Towards responsible development and deployment
At MOSTI, supporting the transformative power of AI to shape a sustainable and equitable future is a paramount responsibility. The establishment of the AI Governance and Ethics Task Force is a crucial step towards realizing the full potential of AI in Malaysia, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront to foster a more inclusive and fair.
MOSTI also launched the National Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence Committee (NBAIC) to oversee initiatives under the National Blockchain Technology Roadmap 2021-2025 and the National Blockchain Technology Roadmap 2021-2025. artificial intelligence technology 2021-2025.
This roadmap is designed to increase employment, boost national competitiveness and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship for economic prosperity and social well-being. It describes seven principles of responsible AI: fairness, reliability, safety and control, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability and the pursuit of human well-being and happiness. ‘humanity.
Under the leadership of MOSTI, the creation of the NBAIC and the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group are steps toward developing a governance framework that addresses these challenges. By involving human oversight in the initial phases of AI implementation, we aim to maintain data with accuracy and integrity. This approach aims to create AI systems that are not only efficient, but also fair and just.
A call to action for ethical AI
As we think about the role of AI in our future, it’s clear that this is not a journey we can take alone. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to shape an AI-enhanced world that respects human dignity and promotes societal well-being.
But as we move forward, one question remains: Are we ready to recalibrate our goals and strategies as we learn from our AI experiences? How can we ensure that AI, a creation of the human intellect, remains in the service of humanity, improving our lives without compromising our ethics?
Let’s seize this opportunity to shape a future in which AI not only drives innovation, but also embodies our highest values, leaving a legacy that future generations will remember with pride.
By Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)
