In cybersecurity and AI ethics, we need a champion: Enter the IIC

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

By Steven Williams

The International Institute of Communications (IIC) is recognised as a leading, independent, global forum that unites national regulators, competition authorities, commercial organisations, and consumer advocacy groups. Central to the organisation’s ethos is the establishment of a balanced and impartial environment dedicated to the deep exploration and discussion of issues vital to the communications sector, including television, print news, and social media outlets. This commitment underscores the IIC’s role in facilitating meaningful dialogue across a broad spectrum of communications media, ensuring that all stakeholders can contribute to shaping the future of global communication landscapes. 

It was a privilege, therefore, to receive an invitation from the Caribbean Chapter of the IIC to participate in their inaugural event and workshop, planned for Monday. This significant meeting will, among other pertinent topics, conclude on the pivotal subjects of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data protection.

These themes have not only dominated global technology news headlines but have also emerged as pivotal in worldwide policy debates. The traditional media sector is at a crossroads, challenged in offering thorough coverage of current affairs while trying to stay relevant amidst the significant impact of social media. In this new landscape, an individual can wield influence comparable to that of a well-established news agency. Social media has become the primary source of news and current events for a wide audience, from casual users to those deeply involved in spreading information.

In Barbados, the cybersecurity landscape has increasingly become a focal point of concern, with the country experiencing a wave of breaches and security incidents impacting various sectors, including financial services firms and media outlets. These incidents have compromised personal data to a significant degree, intensifying worries about data privacy. Additionally, the emergence and integration of AI technologies have amplified the urgency and importance of this conversation. The confluence of AI, cybersecurity, and data protection underscores an essential need for in-depth discussions on these interconnected issues.

The rapid evolution of AI and the potential risks associated with its misgovernance present formidable challenges, with the potential to fundamentally alter aspects of our existence, including employment, human relationships, and the perception of truth itself. This development is of particular concern to small island nations in the Caribbean, which are at a significant disadvantage. 

These countries are not leading in the creation of AI technologies to benefit economically from commercialisation, nor are they in a strong position to exploit early adoption for competitive advantage. This disparity places them in a precarious situation, underscoring the urgency for proactive measures and strategic planning to address the implications of AI on cybersecurity and data privacy.

In light of these challenges, the workshop explored the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, which offers a framework of principles and values designed to guide the ethical development and application of AI. This framework emphasises several key areas:

• Respect for Human Rights: Advocating for AI technologies to promote human rights and freedoms, with a focus on non-discrimination.

• Transparency and Accountability: Underlining the need for AI systems to operate with transparency and have clear accountability mechanisms for developers and operators.

• Data Privacy and Governance: Highlighting the paramount importance of protecting personal data, ensuring privacy, and establishing strong governance structures.

• Environmental and Social Well-being: Encouraging AI to positively impact societal welfare and environmental sustainability.

• Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity: Stressing the significance of embracing cultural diversity and inclusive practices in AI development.

These areas and challenges highlight the critical need for global collaboration in AI regulation, emphasising ethical guidelines, human oversight, and societal welfare enhancement through technology. Proactive engagement allows Caribbean small island nations to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, data privacy and AI, mitigating risks and seizing opportunities in the digital landscape.

Despite the best intentions of such a framework, significant obstacles in the ethical development of AI persist, with bad actors potentially exploiting available knowledge and resources. The key question is how to promote AI development that upholds human rights and ethical standards, addressing a real obstacle to leveraging AI for the common good without worsening social inequalities.

The inclusivity issue is urgent, requiring small island nations to be more than passive participants in AI discussions, ensuring their cultures and diversities are reflected in AI models. The autonomous nature of AI, capable of generating content independently, poses risks to accurate cultural representation.

It is my hope that initiatives like the Caribbean Chapter of the IIC would play a part in motivating regional government actions, potentially leading to a Caribbean Action Network on AI. This NGO would assess AI’s regional impact, advocating for the integration of Caribbean perspectives in AI development and ensuring the region’s cultural heritage is acknowledged and honoured in the digital era.

Steven Williams is the executive director of Sunisle Technology Solutions and the principal consultant at Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services. He is a former IT advisor to the Government’s Law Review Commission, focusing on the draft Cybercrime bill. He holds an MBA from the University of Durham and is certified as a chief information security officer by the EC Council and as a data protection officer by the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB). Steven can be reached at: Mobile: 246-233-0090 Email: steven@dataprivacy.bb