Photo credit: infochips.com
By Miriam Humbe
Using AI responsibly is crucial in order to guarantee consumer trust and circumvent possible problems.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida said this in Abuja during the event to mark the 2024 World Consumer Right Day.
Themed: “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”, Maida said that responsible AI means, using it in an ethical way throughout its development, deployment, and usage.
Maida said this included considering issues like bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability.
He said: “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 emphasized that protecting citizens’ privacy was extremely important when using AI, and advised Organizations to handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations.
He said: “Respecting privacy builds trust in AI systems.”
He said that the Commission recently conducted a globally acclaimed most transparent auction for 5G services in Nigeria firstly on December 13th 2021 and secondly on December 5th 2022.
The NCC helmsman said that the first auction saw the emergence of MTN and MAFAB as the successful bidders while Airtel Networks Nigeria emerged as the sole bidder at the second auction.
He said: “Since the emergence of these operators as 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.”
Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife emphasized the importance of the consumer, saying: “Consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities because we recognize that without the Consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry”.
Omife said that the Commission recognised the important position the consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem, and therefore would continue to develop and promote consumer centric initiatives aimed at ensuring that the rights of consumers were protected.
