By Becky Kathurima

On September 11, the Division of Legal Services conducted a webinar titled “Ethics and Privacy in the Age of AI.” AI tools, being the fastest-growing consumer-facing applications, are not without ethical and privacy challenges. This webinar was a timely conversation in unpacking ethical, legal, and privacy considerations around the increasing adoption of AI tools and systems.

Moderated by Helen Ambasa, Director, Legal Services, the panel discussion featured Susan Otieno, an AI Researcher, George Njuguna, a Global Ambassador for Responsible AI, and Becky Kathurima, Data Protection Manager at USIU Africa. The discussion commenced with definitions of algorithms and ethical AI, where the panelists highlighted the principles of ethical AI systems and tools: fairness, transparency, and accountability. The conversation took an interesting turn with a highlight of the tradeoff between rapid AI growth and uptake, as well as user privacy taking center stage. The clarion call was that users must ensure visibility and control over their personal data, and exercise digital hygiene given the data-hungry nature of AI systems.

Questions on the liability of AI systems in cases of harmful decisions were discussed, with panelists admitting the complexity of apportionment of liability, while highlighting the need for human interventions alongside AI decision-making. There was a call for clearer, principle-based, and risk-based approaches to the development of regulatory frameworks.

The conversation also featured risks of AI meeting note takers and the concept of shadow AI, which translates into “bring your own AI,” which underscored the need to conduct risk assessments of AI tools and design governance frameworks regarding the uptake of AI systems and tools within organizations.

The panelists also addressed the impact of AI on the cybersecurity landscape, where they outlined the double-edged nature of AI on cybersecurity, both as a shield and a sword in offense and defense within the cybersecurity landscape. Additionally, concerns were raised about the impact of AI on copyright and the need to update laws to address issues arising from AI-generated works.

Looking ahead, the panelists highlighted that issues such as AI literacy and capacity building, as well as the ethical implications of AI and the human right to think devoid of AI interference, will dominate AI conversations into the future.

Giving her closing remarks, Helen captured the essence of the webinar through a quote by Stephen Hawking, which states, “Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last unless we learn how to avoid the risks.”