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Artificial Intelligence (AI) was regarded as a revolutionary technology around the early 21st century but its uptake had been slow and encumbered. Although AI has encountered its rise and fall, currently its rapid and pervasive applications have been termed the second coming of AI. It is employed in a variety of sectors, and there is a drive to create practical applications that may improve our daily lives and society. Healthcare is a highly promising, but also a challenging domain for AI. The two main uses of AI are to support health professionals in decision-making and to automate some repetitive tasks to free up time for professionals. While still in its early stages, AI applications are rapidly evolving. For instance, ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) that utilizes deep learning techniques that are trained on text data. This model has been used in a variety of applications, including language translation, text summarisation, conversation generation, text-to-text generation and others.

However, the use of AI in medical and research fields has raised concerns about the potentially harmful effects it could have on the accuracy and integrity of the information it produces. One of the main concerns of using AI tools in the medical field is the potential for misinformation to be generated. As the model is trained on a large volume of data, it may inadvertently include misinformation in its responses. This could lead to patients receiving incorrect or harmful medical advice, potentially leading to serious health consequences. Another issue with using AI tools in medical research is the potential for bias to be introduced into the results. As the model is trained on data, it may perpetuate existing biases and stereotypes, leading to inaccurate or unfair conclusions in research studies as well as in routine care. In addition, AI tools’ ability to generate human-like text can also raise ethical concerns in various sectors such as in the research field, education, journalism, law, etc. For example, the model can be used to generate fake scientific papers and articles, which can potentially deceive researchers and mislead the scientific community.

Despite these concerns, it is important to note that AI tools, like any other tools, should be used with caution considering the context. One of the ways to address this is to have a governance framework in place which can help manage these potential risks and harms by setting standards, monitoring and enforcing policies and regulations, providing feedback and reports on their performance, and ensuring development and deployment with respect to ethical principles, human rights, and safety considerations. Additionally, governance frameworks can promote accountability and transparency by ensuring that researchers and practitioners are aware of the possible negative consequences of implementing this paradigm and encouraging them to employ it responsibly.

The original article was published at the Observer Research Foundation.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

On January 26, 2023, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risk Management Framework (AI Risk Management Framework 1.0), a voluntary guidance document for managing and mitigating the risks of designing, developing, deploying, and using AI products and services. NIST also released a companion playbook for navigating the framework, a roadmap for future work, and mapping of the framework to other standards and principles, both at home and abroad. This guidance, developed in a consensus-based approach across a broad cross section of stakeholders, offers an essential foundation and important building block toward responsible AI governance.

We stand at the crossroads as case law and regulatory law struggle to keep up with technology. As regulators consider policy solutions and levers to regulate AI risks and trustworthiness, many technology companies have adopted self-governing ethical principles and standards surrounding the development and use of artificial and augmented intelligence technologies. In the absence of clear legal rules, these internal expectations guide organizational actions and serve to reduce the risk of legal liability and negative reputational impact.

Over the past 18 months, NIST developed the AI Risk Management Framework with input from and in collaboration with the private and public sector. The framework takes a major step toward public-private collaboration and consensus through a structured yet flexible approach allowing organizations to anticipate and introduce accountability structures. The first half of the AI Risk Management Framework outlines principles for trustworthy AI, and the remainder describes how organizations can address these in practice by applying the core functions of creating a culture of risk management (governance), identifying risks and context (map), assessing and tracking risks (measure), and prioritizing risk based on impact (manage). NIST plans to work with the AI community to update the framework periodically.

The original article was published at Lexology.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

In this heyday of A.I. innovation, organizations are pouring tens of billions of dollars into A.I. development. However, for all the money invested in capabilities, there has not been commensurate investment in A.I. governance.

Some companies may take the position that when world governments release A.I. regulations that will be the appropriate time to wrestle A.I. programs into a governance structure that can address complex topics like privacy, transparency, accountability, and fairness. In the meantime, the business can focus solely on A.I. performance.

Regulatory wheels are already in motion. However, regulations move at the speed of bureaucracy, and A.I. innovation is only accelerating A.I. is already deployed at scale, and we are rapidly approaching a point after which A.I. capabilities will outpace effective rulemaking, putting responsibility for self-regulation squarely in the hands of business leaders.

The solution to this puzzle is for organizations to find the balance between following existing rules and self-regulation. Some companies are rising to the responsible A.I. challenge: Microsoft has an Office of Responsible A.I. Use, Walmart a Digital Citizenship team, and Salesforce an Office of Ethical and Humane Use of Technology. However, more organizations need to quickly embrace a new era of A.I. self-regulation.

The article was originally published at Fortune.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

The Global Enlightenment Economy is rooted in the belief that economic growth and development should serve the needs of all people, not just the privileged few. It is based on the principle that economic prosperity should be shared and that economic systems should be designed to promote the well-being of all citizens, rather than just a select few. It supports and helps every citizen to become innovators.

One of pillars of Global Enlightenment Economy is Data Economy, using the power of data and data-driven technologies to promote economic growth and social progress, while also ensuring that these technologies are used in a responsible and ethical manner that meets the standards of the Social Contract for the AI Age and supports the Global Enlightenment Economy. By promoting data exchange, trust frameworks and data-driven solutions for social good, we can foster an inclusive and equitable data economy that benefits all.

The United Nations Centennial Initiative recognizes that AI has the potential to transform our economy and society, but it also acknowledges the need to ensure that the development and deployment of AI is guided by ethical principles and human rights as principles of AI World Society (AIWS), which will bring together governments, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop global standards and best practices for the responsible use of AI.

Another important aspect of the Global Enlightenment Economy is the promotion of green growth and sustainable development. The initiative calls for the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the development of renewable energy sources. It also stresses the importance of preserving and protecting the natural environment, and of promoting sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices.

The Global Enlightenment Economy also seeks to promote greater economic inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The initiative calls for the promotion of equal opportunities and the elimination of discrimination in the workplace. It also calls for the development of policies and programs to support the economic empowerment of marginalized groups.

The Global Enlightenment Economy is a vital part of the United Nations Centennial Initiative. It aims to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable global economy, and to promote the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence. By working together, governments, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders can help to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

NuEnergy.ai, an Ottawa-based tech company that focuses on AI governance solutions, seeks to equip senior corporate leaders with the knowledge, framework, and software to interact with AI governance solutions and include AI governance in their risk registers.

In its latest announcement, NuEnergy.ai said board members can access the company’s AI governance education and AI governance framework, which is designed to allow tech leaders to develop an ethical AI roadmap for their organization and co-create a customized trust framework for managing an organization’s AI governance.

Furthermore, with NuEnergy’s cloud-based software, Machine Trust Platform (MTP), tech leaders can measure trust parameters including privacy, ethics, transparency, bias, and protect against risks of AI drift. For board oversight, results are presented in dashboards which include global standards such as the Government of Canada Algorithmic Impact Assessment (AIA).

The original article was published at IT World Canada.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment. More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

Data, with its all-powerful applications and new ecosystems has positioned us at the tipping point of a great breakthrough. In this new, brave landscape, leveraging data to unlock exponential value to solve one of the greatest challenges of our times is no longer a dream but an actual possibility – well within the realm of imagination for those who will know how to harness data – purposefully. A new change in thinking is in the offing – a wonderful opportunity for global business leaders across the board to pivot their approach towards data to turn it into their most enduring competitive edge.

There are several reasons for the future to hold more restrictive data governance for businesses. But the primary one is the rising demand for data protection and privacy regulations. And this growing demand for data-driven decision-making is compelling businesses to integrate more transparent measures around data. To comply with global regulations and laws on data-related topics, organizations need to integrate augmented data management framework to survive and thrive in 2023 and beyond.

Data breaches have become more common, and there is no sign of them stopping anytime soon. Organizations are exploring new avenues to invest heavily in data security to stay ahead of the curve. During the third quarter of 2022, internet users globally experienced approximately 15 million data breaches. The number was up by 167 per cent when compared with the statistics from the previous quarter, as per Statista report. Industry leaders are now placing a high value on data security as these threats are posing grave danger to consumers’ sensitivity without their consent.

The original article was published at the Financial Express.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

India’s approach toward digitalisation and technology governance appears incongruent with the digital aspects of the European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

As the European Union (EU) embarks on its own distinctive strategic outlook to the Indo-Pacific region, it aims to contribute to an open, safe and inclusive digital connectivity and engage with the region’s thriving digital economies. While the Indo-Pacific countries have called for greater maritime presence by the European countries in their increasingly contested waters, European actors may have more to offer in the high-technology and digital domains. Recognising the opportunities and disruptions that accompany the digital transition and green transformation globally, the EU and its member states are committed to increasing their engagement with the governments, commercial and civil-society stakeholders and networks in the Indo-Pacific on a broad array of digitalisation issues.

The EU’s digital agenda and approach in the Indo-Pacific hinges on promoting an open, transparent and inclusive digital domain, with a focus on promoting users and user rights, especially on issues like data privacy, free flow of cross border data transfers and cybersecurity. The hope is to develop strategic digital connectivity partnerships with key Asian partners that ostensibly share similar goals. Yet, this prospect cannot be taken for granted or accepted, given the diversity of digital governance agendas that suffuse the Indo-Pacific that veer from the EU’s open and human-centred digital agenda. India’s digital and technology governance agenda and approach, in particular, stand in contrast to the EU which could complicate their efforts to create a mutually beneficial digital partnership.

The original article was published by the NUS Institute of South Asian Studies.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland.  The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.

Enterprises are now strongly on the path to operationalizing AI within their organizations, with 76% on the AI adoption curve, according to Forrester Research. But getting it operationalized is just one step of the process.

A solid AI governance practice will need to span the organization so that it can navigate in this new era of maturing regulations and greater customer sophistication when it comes to privacy. This work will need to include the AI leader, business leader, data engineer, legal/compliance specialist, data scientist, and solution engineer, according to Forrester. Each member of this group has a different level of excitement or concern around the AI practice.

One of the biggest new regulations that’s coming, likely in 2024, is the AI Act in Europe, which creates a hierarchy, rating some AI use cases as an unacceptable risk, others as high risk, others as limited risk, and others as minimal risk. High-risk AI will be prohibited and include use cases such as mass surveillance, manipulation of behavior that causes harm, and social scoring. High-risk activities will require an assessment and include access to employment and education and public services, safety components of vehicles, and law enforcement. Limited-risk AI activities are required to be transparent, and they include impersonation, chatbots, emotion recognition, and deep fakes. Anything else can be categorized under minimal risk and that carries no obligations for the enterprise.

In addition, the White House released an AI Bill of Rights this year, which is not binding but it indicates a direction that the Biden administration will take in terms of AI regulations. Key components of this are the importance of privacy and also the importance of having human beings make critical decisions rather than relying on AI/automation.

The original article was published at InformationWeek.

The Boston Global Forum (BGF), in collaboration with the United Nations Centennial Initiative, released a major work entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.   More than twenty distinguished leaders, scholars, analysts, and thinkers put forth unprecedented approaches to the challenges before us. These include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Governor Michael Dukakis, Father of Internet Vint Cerf, Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Harvard University Professors Joseph Nye and Thomas Patterson, MIT Professors Nazli Choucri and Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland. The BGF introduced core concepts shaping pathbreaking international initiatives, notably, the Social Contract for the AI Age, an AI International Accord, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance, the AI World Society (AIWS) Ecosystem, and AIWS City.