The U.N. telecommunications agency has commenced its annual AI for Good conference in Geneva, focusing on guiding businesses, consumers, and governments on leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence while mitigating potential risks. The two-day event features tech leaders, including OpenAI chief Sam Altman, discussing AI applications in various sectors such as robotics, medicine, education, and sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence, as highlighted by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, is revolutionizing various aspects of society, offering promises in education, healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management. The recent prominence of AI in the public eye was marked by the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI, a system capable of generating text, images, and videos based on extensive online data.
Major tech players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are actively engaged in AI development, intensifying competition in the field. However, concerns have been raised regarding AI safety, particularly in handling issues such as bias, misinformation, and security threats.
One significant challenge posed by AI is the potential amplification of online disinformation, where computer-generated content blurs the line between reality and fake news. U.N. Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI technologies contribute to reducing bias, misinformation, and security risks, rather than exacerbating them.
Furthermore, Guterres stressed the need for AI to be accessible to developing countries, enabling them to harness its benefits and bridge the digital divide. The goal is to connect individuals worldwide, ensuring that the transformative power of AI is harnessed for the collective good.
