Guardrails Needed to Make Artificial Intelligence Accessible to Non-Technical Users
In a recent press conference on AI, Hein Badenhorst, software leader at IBM South Africa, emphasized the importance of putting guardrails in place to make artificial intelligence accessible to non-technical people. He highlighted that various companies, ranging from law firms to car parts suppliers, will soon be utilizing AI technology, and workshops and guardrails are essential to ensure accessibility for those without technical backgrounds.
Badenhorst warned that organizations that forge ahead without considering the intricacies of AI ethics and data integrity risk damaging their reputation for short-term gains. He pointed out that the EU’s AI Act is imminent, and China is already implementing robust regulations and guidelines in this area.
Despite the recognition of the importance of AI ethics by 79% of executives in a recent IBM survey, fewer than 25% have operationalized common principles of AI ethics. The survey also revealed that 58% of executives believe significant ethical risks are associated with the adoption of generative AI, which will be challenging to manage without new governance structures.
CEOs are urged to take the lead in addressing AI ethics issues, as 80% of executives believe that business leaders, rather than technology leaders, should be primarily accountable for AI ethics and responsible for educating others on emerging ethics issues.
Consumer concerns about the responsible use of technology are also on the rise, with more than half expressing discomfort with how companies handle their personal or business information. This has led to 37% of consumers switching brands to protect their privacy, with traditional industries such as retail, insurance, and utilities ranking lowest in terms of responsible technology use.
Badenhorst stressed the importance of regulatory compliance when dealing with customer data, emphasizing the need for companies to respond quickly to data breaches. He highlighted the impending EU AI Act and China’s proactive approach to AI regulations, noting that global business leaders are under pressure to prepare for regulatory changes.
In conclusion, Badenhorst emphasized the necessity of good data and AI governance, regardless of how regulations evolve. Implementing responsible and trustworthy AI from the outset will not only help achieve compliance but also ensure the ethical use of AI technology. As discussions around an AI Act for South Africa continue, collaboration with regulators and a focus on data governance from the start will be crucial for companies to navigate the evolving AI landscape successfully.