NCC advocates responsible deployment, application of Artificial intelligence to guarantee customer rights

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida has called for responsible deployment and application of Artificial intelligence (AI) to guarantee consumer trust and circumvent possible problems.

Speaking at the event to mark the 2024 Consumer Rights Day yesterday in Abuja, Maida said that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and transforming the way we live and work, stressing that as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, they also bring forth a complex web of legal and regulatory challenges.

According to him, navigating this uncharted territory requires a careful examination of existing laws, the development of new regulations, and ethical considerations to ensure that AI benefits society without compromising fundamental rights and values.

He stated that potecting citizens’ privacy is extremely important when using AI adding that Organizations should handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations.
According to him, respecting privacy builds trust in AI systems and responsible AI requires mechanisms for holding systems accountable and explaining their decisions.

He said, ‘ AI has already made significant inroads into our lives. From voice assistants that respond to our commands to recommendation algorithms that suggest what we should watch, read, or buy, AI is all around us. It’s driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other fields. Conversely, with inordinate power comes great obligation. As we celebrate the advancements in AI, we must also grapple with ethical questions. How do we ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased? How do we protect privacy in an age of data-driven AI? These are complex issues that require careful consideration.

‘Responsible AI means using it in an ethical way throughout its development, deployment, and usage. This includes considering issues like bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability. According to reports, responsible AI aims to empower consumers, build trust, and minimize negative effects.To this effect AI Developers need to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems. This ensures that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality’.

He noted that since the emergence of providers of 5G services in Nigeria, there has been a steady growth in the development and deployment AI systems and services and the Commission has been constantly ensuring that the growth is the right direction that guarantees value addition to Consumer satisfaction and experience as well as ensuring economic growth.

Maida who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services Designate, Engr Abraham Oshadami pointed out that developing regulations and policies to govern AI deployment can be complex and as well as playing catch up due to technological advancements.

He noted that though most Legislative and governing bodies are looking to regulate this technology, there has been continuous struggle to strike the right balance between risk mitigation and stifling innovation, while promoting innovation and ensuring security and trust.
‘ In this era that has seen the rise of AI and IoT cybersecurity, it is important to break silos and foster collaboration of the Quadruple Helix Innovation model comprising of the Academia, the Industry, Government and Society to share ideas. AI developers and Regulators have to ensure AI system algorithms consider, ethics and inclusivity.

The theme of this years’ World Consumer Right Day is on Fair and Responsible AI for the Consumer’. Telecom consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria, in order to uphold the rights of consumer which have evolved over the years with additional new consumer rights like the right to privacy, the right to quality of service, the right to timely redress, right to action on disputed charges, right to fair complaint process and right to accurate billing’.

Maida observed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a phenomenon that has captured the imagination of scientists, engineers, and thinkers for decades and represents the culmination of human innovation and the quest to create machines that can mimic human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.

Earlier, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau in the Commission, Clem Omeife observed that the Commission recognizes the important position the consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem, and therefore will continue develop and promote consumer centric initiatives aimed at ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected.