In the technological age, one year can represent radical changes in the global landscape. This is exactly what happened with the revolution caused by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which saw the launch of ChatGPT unleash a set of tools, software and channels that quickly transformed the paradigm of most sectors of activity.
The positive impacts of AI cut across society and the economy. The automation of repetitive and creative tasks, freeing up time and resources for more complex and innovative activities, translates into the valorisation of talent and increased productivity. At the same time, the accuracy and speed of analyses and diagnoses increases significantly, combining with the emergence of innovative products and services that guarantee a better quality of life. In a true creative cycle, in which a new solution immediately gives rise to a different development, transformations will continue to impact and serve the most diverse quadrants of the global panorama.
The dawn of AI ushers in a new world of opportunities, but it also has serious and worrying consequences. This is the most immediate conclusion of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2024, which places the impacts of AI in second place (53 per cent) of the world’s greatest threats for the next decade, only surpassed by climate change (66 per cent).
In an ecosystem driven by automated processes, every advance goes hand in hand with increasing exposure to risk. With enormous potential for key areas of society such as health, education and transport, the adoption of this generative technology exposes People and Organisations to threats that require highly demanding monitoring, follow-up and mitigation.
Faced with a scenario of enormous complexity, the WEF has mapped out a number of areas of particular moral, legal and operational sensitivity.
- Erosion of Privacy
AI is and will increasingly be used to collect and analyse large amounts of data, particularly through facial recognition, online tracking or health history.
Breaches of privacy are particularly susceptible, and are exacerbated by the rapid, across-the-board growth in cyber attacks, many of which use this same technology.
- Social Polarisation
The manipulation of public opinion through so-called deepfakes (distorted or totally artificial videos and audios) and bots has multiplied around the world, affecting political elections, the reputation of personalities and the image of organisations.
In increasingly polarised systems, these phenomena contribute to increased distrust in institutions, the escalation of social and violent conflicts, and the accelerated erosion of social cohesion.
- Difficulty of Control and Monitoring
The accelerated evolution of AI, which can be carried out by any individuals or Organisations, can raise the levels of complexity to such an extent that it becomes highly complex to predict its behaviour or avoid unplanned actions.
Similarly, it is difficult to monitor and adapt the legislative framework to keep up with the pace of change in a timely and effective manner, resulting in legal loopholes that are complex to resolve.
The potential of AI to improve the lives of millions of people, optimise processes and speed up organisations’ revenues is undeniable. However, effectively harnessing it requires appropriate and specialised monitoring and mitigation to protect companies and people.
Relevant measures for a healthy and controlled implementation include:
- Developing a global ethical framework for AI, adapted to the different regional and national realities.
- Promoting education on AI, equipping people and businesses with the right tools for the conscious use of AI.
- Strengthen international co-operation, ensuring a joint effort by governments, businesses and civil society to ensure that AI is used for the good of humanity.
- Legal and risk monitoring that safeguards the interests of citizens and organisations when adopting AI tools.
Rely on a specialised risk management team and prepare your organisation for the major changes that are taking place.
Ana Duarte, General Manager Lisbon BU at F. REGO
