The beginning of 2024 has sparked a wave of predictions about the future of artificial intelligence (AI), ranging from hopeful optimism to cautious restraint. However, a common thread is evident: AI is already transforming human experiences, and society must adapt accordingly.
For those who witnessed the emergence of the internet and social media, the AI revolution may feel familiar, prompting two essential questions: Can we sustain the current momentum without repeating past mistakes? And can we create a world where everyone, including the 2.6 billion people still offline, can thrive?
Achieving an equitable and human-centered future with AI requires innovative and inclusive approaches. Fortunately, three promising trends offer optimism for the year ahead.
First, AI regulation continues to be a global priority. Initiatives like the European Union's AI Act and U.S. President Joe Biden's October 2023 executive order highlight efforts to regulate AI with principles of equity, justice, and democracy. The newly established United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on AI is set to advance these initiatives, starting with its interim report on governing AI for humanity.
Additionally, 2024 could see the dismantling of elite echo chambers and the cultivation of a global network of ethical AI professionals. Expanding initiatives such as the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Task Force, established by the United States' 2020 AI Initiative Act, and implementing localized strategies through tools like the UNESCO Readiness Assessment methodology, could foster globally inclusive governance frameworks for AI.
At the national level, the focus will likely shift to regulating AI-generated content and empowering policymakers and citizens to address AI-driven threats to civic participation. With crucial elections approaching in numerous countries representing over 40 percent of the world's population, combating misinformation and disinformation will require proactive measures. This includes raising public awareness, promoting media literacy across all age groups, and addressing polarization by emphasizing empathy and mutual learning.
As governments deliberate AI's role in the public sphere, regulatory changes are expected to reignite discussions about leveraging emerging technologies to achieve key policy objectives. Examples include India's use of AI to enhance railway efficiency and Brazil's AI-powered digital payment systems.
In 2024, organizations like the UN Development Programme are anticipated to explore integrating AI technologies into digital public infrastructure (DPI). Initiatives such as the upcoming UN Global Digital Compact could provide multi-stakeholder frameworks for designing inclusive DPI, focusing on building trust, prioritizing community needs over profits, and adhering to principles for an open, free, and secure digital future for all.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
