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Responsible AI development highlighted at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experts from across the globe gathered to tackle the complexities of transparency and explainability in AI. Moderated by Latifa Al Abdulkarim, the panel delved into these crucial concepts, highlighting their role in fostering trust and accountability in AI systems.

Doreen Bogdan Martin of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) distinguished transparency as the process of designing and deploying AI systems, while explainability pertains to justifying AI decisions. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, executive president of the International Center of Artificial Intelligence of Morroco, added, ‘Transparency is about how a system meets expectations, while explainability is more technical—it justifies decisions made by the system.’

National and international initiatives showcased diverse approaches to ethical AI governance. President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), Abdulah Bin Sharaf Alghamdi, outlined the nation’s progress in creating AI ethics frameworks and global partnerships. Gong Ke, from China’s Institute for Next-Generation AI, emphasised strategies to ensure responsible AI growth, while El Fallah Seghrouchni detailed Morocco’s efforts to address linguistic diversity challenges.

On the global stage, Doreen Bogdan Martin emphasised ITU’s collaboration on AI standards and sustainable initiatives. At the same time, UN representative Li Junhua spotlighted AI’s transformative potential for real-time policymaking, disaster response, and addressing inequality.

The discussion also tackled challenges in achieving transparency and explainability. Complexity in AI models, data privacy issues, and gaps in regulation were recurring themes. ‘Regulations need to adapt to the rapid evolution of AI,’ El Fallah Seghrouchni stressed.

Additionally, linguistic diversity and talent shortages in developing regions were identified as critical hurdles. Yet, participants remained optimistic about AI’s potential to accelerate sustainable development goals (SDGs), with Bogdan Martin noting, ‘AI could boost progress on SDGs by 70%,’ citing examples like AI glasses empowering a young girl in India and innovations in West Africa doubling agricultural yields.

Concluding the session, panellists called for global collaboration, capacity-building, and the development of frugal, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems. Bogdan Martin emphasised the need for standardised frameworks to ensure ethical practices, while El Fallah Seghrouchni challenged the reliance on large datasets, advocating for quality over quantity.

Why does it matter?

The forum underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and international cooperation in shaping a human-centric AI future that balances innovation with ethical accountability.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

AI technology aims to cut hospital visits for COPD patients

A pioneering NHS trust in Hull and East Yorkshire is harnessing AI to enhance its chronic respiratory illness care. The Lenus COPD support system, introduced in March 2023, has already reduced hospital visits by 40% and aims for even greater improvements with the integration of AI.

The app enables patients to monitor their symptoms through regular self-assessments and offers direct messaging to NHS clinics. AI will soon analyse the collected data to identify patterns and potential triggers, enabling earlier interventions to prevent hospitalisation.

Professor Mike Crooks, who leads the service, emphasised the proactive nature of the system. The AI-driven insights allow clinics to deliver timely care, helping patients stabilise their health before conditions worsen.

Patients like Ruth, diagnosed with COPD at just 14, report transformative results. Frequent hospital visits have become a rarity, and the app has provided her with a reliable lifeline for clinical support.

IGF 2024 panel tackles global digital identity challenges

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2024) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought together a distinguished panel to address global challenges and opportunities in developing trusted digital identity systems. Moderated by Shivani Thapa, the session featured insights from Bandar Al-Mashari, Emma Theofelus, Siim Sikkut, Sangbo Kim, Kurt Lindqvist, and other notable speakers.

The discussion focused on building frameworks for trusted digital identities, emphasising their role as critical infrastructure for digital transformation. Bandar Al-Mashari, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Interior for Technology Affairs, highlighted the Kingdom’s innovative efforts, while Namibia’s Minister of Information, Emma Theofelus, stressed the importance of inclusivity and addressing regional needs.

The panellists examined the balance between enhanced security and privacy protection. Siim Sikkut, Managing Partner of Digital Nations, underscored the value of independent oversight and core principles to maintain trust. Emerging technologies like blockchain, biometrics, and artificial intelligence were recognised for their potential impact, though caution was urged against uncritical adoption.

Barriers to international cooperation, including the digital divide, infrastructure gaps, and the complexity of global systems, were addressed. Sangbo Kim of the World Bank shared insights on fostering collaboration across regions, while Kurt Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, highlighted the need for a shared vision in navigating differing national priorities.

Speakers advocated for a phased approach to implementation, allowing countries to progress at their own pace while drawing lessons from successful initiatives, such as those in international travel and telecommunications. The call for collaboration was echoed by Prince Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Mishari, who emphasised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global solutions.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note. Fatma, briefly mentioned as a participant, contributed to a shared vision of digital identity as a tool for accelerating inclusion and fostering global trust. The panellists agreed that a unified approach, guided by innovation and respect for privacy, is vital to building secure and effective digital identity systems worldwide.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Ethical AI governance highlighted at the IGF: Developing tools for human rights-focused solutions

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Access Partnership discussed advancing ethical AI governance. Chris Martin, Head of Policy Innovation at Access Partnership, emphasised the societal stakes of AI, stating, ‘Every decision that AI systems make…will shape our lives, how we work, and how we interact.’

Ahmad Bhinder of the DCO underscored the importance of aligning AI governance with human rights, explaining, ‘We identified which human rights are most impacted by AI and examined global approaches to regulation.’ The DCO introduced its six ethical principles for AI governance: accountability, transparency, fairness, privacy protection, sustainability, and human-centeredness.

Matthew Sharp of Access Partnership detailed a new AI ethics evaluation tool designed to help developers and deployers assess and mitigate human rights risks. The tool features risk assessments, interactive radar graphs, and actionable recommendations, making it a practical resource for ethical AI development. ‘The tool aims to be comprehensive and interactive, addressing diverse industries and applications,’ Sharp said.

An interactive exercise led by Thiago tested the tool’s application in real-world scenarios, such as using AI to diagnose diseases or perform job screenings. Alaa Abdulaal, DCO’s Chief of Digital Economy Foresight, highlighted the importance of collaboration in AI governance, stating that a multistakeholder approach is essential to ensure global and practical solutions. Martin also noted the uneven adoption of AI worldwide, with opportunities for growth in the Middle East and North Africa.

Why does it matter?

The session underscored DCO’s commitment to creating actionable tools for responsible AI deployment while protecting human rights. Feedback gathered from participants aims to refine these efforts further, demonstrating a collective push towards ethical AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Media giant Warner Bros realigns operations

Warner Bros Discovery has announced a significant restructuring of its operations, separating its traditional cable TV businesses like CNN and TNT from its growing streaming platforms such as Max and Discovery+. This move is aimed at adapting to the ongoing decline in cable subscriptions while positioning itself for potential sales or industry mergers.

The company’s shares rose over 15% following the announcement, with analysts noting that the split could make its linear TV networks more attractive to buyers. The restructuring mirrors similar efforts by media giants like Comcast, which recently launched a spin-off for its cable assets. Despite this, Warner Bros Discovery’s $40 billion debt remains a challenge in attracting buyers for its cable unit.

Streaming and studio operations, now placed in a separate division, continue to show promise, with growing returns on investment. CEO David Zaslav, known for orchestrating major deals, hinted at further industry consolidation in the near future. Warner Bros Discovery’s new structure is widely seen as a proactive measure to navigate a shifting media landscape.

AI agents set to transform businesses in 2025

Autonomous agents and profitability are predicted to define the AI landscape in 2025, according to industry experts. These agents, designed to perform tasks like scheduling or making purchases without direct user input, are gaining momentum due to advancements in reasoning techniques. OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar anticipates rapid progress in this area, emphasising their potential to simplify everyday activities.

The emergence of step-by-step reasoning methods, exemplified by OpenAI’s recent models, has paved the way for this evolution. Friar, who joined the Microsoft-backed company earlier this year, also highlighted the approaching milestone of AGI, predicting its arrival in the near term. Such developments promise to reshape the capabilities of AI, enabling it to surpass human efficiency in economically valuable tasks.

Industry leaders are already witnessing the transformative impact of AI. George Mathew from Insight Partners cited significant productivity gains, such as digital sales teams that operate at a fraction of traditional labour costs. Similarly, Molly Alter of Northzone forecasted 2025 as a turning point for AI profitability, shifting the focus from growth to improved profit margins through streamlined processes.

Beyond startups, established firms are integrating AI into their workflows. For example, BNY Mellon has equipped thousands of employees with tools to create AI-powered agents. CEO Robin Vince highlighted these tools’ ability to deliver insights and solutions that were previously unattainable, underscoring AI’s growing role in enhancing business efficiency and client services.

Keppel and Sovico plan undersea cables to link Vietnam and Singapore, sources say

Singaporean asset manager Keppel and Vietnam’s Sovico Group are in discussions to develop undersea fibre-optic cables aimed at boosting Southeast Asia’s data centre industry. The potential $150 million project would directly link Vietnam with Singapore, a critical regional hub for data infrastructure. However, talks remain fluid, with Keppel reportedly favouring a larger consortium-led project extending from Singapore to Japan, while Sovico supports a direct connection.

The discussions highlight Southeast Asia’s growing demand for AI services and internet capacity, with Vietnam planning 10 new submarine cables by 2030. These cables are also a focal point in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry, with the United States lobbying against the involvement of Chinese contractors, citing security concerns. US officials have reportedly briefed Sovico and other stakeholders on the risks of working with China’s HMN Technologies.

Vietnam, with a rapidly growing digital economy and a population nearing 100 million, currently relies on five undersea cable branches for global connectivity. Expanding its cable infrastructure is seen as key to establishing itself as a regional data hub, despite challenges like power shortages and stringent data regulations. Keppel and Sovico’s efforts, along with other planned projects, signal significant investment in the region’s digital future.

Google’s quantum breakthrough: Assessing the impact of Willow on cryptocurrency security

Google’s latest quantum chip, Willow, has stirred discussions in the cryptocurrency world. Capable of completing a computation in minutes that would take supercomputers billions of years, Willow raised concerns over its potential to breach Bitcoin’s encryption, which secures the $2 trillion blockchain. Bitcoin’s price briefly dipped after the announcement but quickly recovered.

While the crypto community acknowledges the theoretical risks of quantum computing, panic remains subdued. Developers, including Ethereum’s founder Vitalik Buterin, suggest that blockchains can be updated to resist quantum threats, just as Bitcoin was improved with the Taproot upgrade in 2021.

For now, the threat seems distant. Willow’s achievement, though impressive, lacks immediate commercial applications. Experts agree the crypto industry has time to adapt before quantum computing poses a genuine risk.

AI transforms bank operations yet struggles to drive revenue

Banks are embracing AI to boost productivity, with significant advancements in coding, task automation, and reporting processes. At the Reuters Next conference, executives from leading financial firms highlighted AI’s transformative potential.

Goldman Sachs has used AI to enhance coding productivity, potentially improving output by up to 30%, according to CEO David Solomon. Similarly, BNY Mellon has enabled employees to build AI tools for daily tasks, reflecting the industry’s drive to streamline operations.

Despite these productivity gains, financial institutions face challenges in monetising AI. Kristin Milchanowski, chief AI officer at Canada’s BMO Financial Group, noted that while AI has reduced reporting times significantly, its impact on revenue generation remains limited.

Future advancements depend on identifying specific use cases, such as optimising trades and attracting clients. Experts agree that AI’s long-term success in banking hinges on precise application and measurable outcomes.

SwagBot aims to prevent soil degradation

A revolutionary AI-powered robot named SwagBot is changing the face of cattle farming. Developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, it offers an innovative way to manage livestock while tackling environmental challenges like soil degradation. SwagBot, first launched in 2016, has evolved from a basic herding machine to a sophisticated tool equipped with sensors, AI, and machine learning.

The autonomous robot can assess pasture health, type, and density while monitoring livestock well-being. By guiding cattle to the most nutritious grazing areas, SwagBot reduces the risk of overgrazing and ensures optimal pasture use. Salah Sukkarieh, a University of Sydney professor, highlighted its ability to manage cattle movement fluidly without relying on traditional fences.

Australia’s vast cattle farms, home to about 30 million animals, often face dry conditions and poor-quality pastures. SwagBot offers a game-changing solution by feeding real-time data to farmers, enabling more efficient grazing decisions. Part-time farmer Erin O’Neill noted the robot’s potential to support pregnant cattle by identifying the best-quality pastures for their needs.

SwagBot is still in development but represents a significant step towards integrating robotics in agriculture. As farms increasingly adopt such technologies, they aim to boost productivity, reduce environmental impact, and address challenges in hiring workers for remote locations.