AI deployment must not violate consumers’ rights, Commissioner, others warn

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem has warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence in online and digital market must not be at the expense of the citizens’ rights and well-being.

According to her, it is imperative that as the world navigate through technological advancements in the ways manners business transactions are conducted and carried out our, a balanced approach is maintained that champions fairness, transparency, and responsibility.

She expressed these views at a Conference and Exhibition event organized by Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, to commemorate 2024 World Consumer Rights Day on Friday in Lagos.

While addressing producers and consumers at the event, the commissioner assured the participants that the state government will continue to create an environment where technology thrives, and consumers right are well protected.

According to her, the conference with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers” advocates innovation and consumer rights while ensuring that the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and technology at large served to enhance the lives of citizens, not complicate them.

Ambrose-Medebem reiterated that the administration was committed to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for societal goods, enhancing consumer experiences while upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics.

She stated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that consumers’ rights and well-being are not sacrificed for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence.

Also corroborating the need for responsible AI in business transactions, the General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, said that organisations must prioritise ethical considerations in ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole.

According to him, consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems.

“The importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be overstated as it has revolutionized the way businesses engage with their clientele. Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalized recommendations to automated decision-making processes.

“In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we will be addressing the importance of fair and responsible AI for all consumers,”  the General Manager stated.

Also, the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies in charge of Commercial Operations, Fatima Aliko-Dangote, while giving a goodwill message at the event, said that every organisation must see consumers as kings and treat them as such.

She stated that the rights of consumers to choose from a variety of valuable, safe and non-hazardous products; right to information and education adequate for taking consumption decisions, and right to seek redress and be heard should not be undermined.

She, however, called for collective actions from government in the area of regulatory framework and other relevant stakeholders to address some challenges that come with the deployment of artificial intelligence.

It should be noted that March 15 every year is the World Consumer Rights Day where various consumer interest groups in organize programs and events to highlight pressing issues being faced daily by Consumers globally while proffering possible solutions, and adopt policies to celebrate the day.

As part of the event, two different panel sessions were held where experts in consumer affairs explored different topics of interest as it affects consumers, producers and all relevant stakeholders in the value chain.