In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, members of the public are being challenged to exercise vigilance as they navigate the complex terrain of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These digital developments, often celebrated for their potential benefits, also carry a set of challenges and risks that warrant public awareness and caution.
The Importance of Awareness
Kajubi Mukajanga, the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), underscored the critical need for public awareness regarding the potential negative implications of artificial intelligence technology. While AI presents promising opportunities, Mukajanga emphasized that it also poses significant challenges and dangers of which individuals should be cognizant.
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Balancing Rewards and Challenges
“Artificial intelligence is rewarding but a challenging endeavor. Some unscrupulous individuals are exploiting this technology to mislead the public and tarnish other people’s images,” observed Mukajanga. This statement reflects the dual nature of AI, which, while offering numerous benefits, can also be misused for deceptive purposes.
The Dark Side of AI and Plea for Responsible Use
The drawbacks of AI are multifaceted, encompassing areas such as job displacement, ethical concerns related to bias and privacy intrusion, security vulnerabilities stemming from hacking, limitations in human-like creativity and empathy, and more. These concerns highlight the need for both individuals and institutions to approach AI with a critical eye.
Mr. Mukajanga extended his plea to the public, urging them to refrain from using digital platforms as a tool to tarnish the image of their country. It’s a call for responsible digital citizenship, emphasizing the importance of using technology in ways that contribute positively to society.
Government’s Role in Freedom of Expression
Moreover, the MCT Executive Secretary called upon the government to continue its efforts to amend various laws that impact freedom of expression and press freedom. Acknowledging changes and amendments in the 2016 Media Services Act, he urged the government to consider the input of stakeholders in further refining legislation.
Amendments for Access to Information
Specifically, Mr. Mukajanga highlighted the Council’s desire to witness amendments to the Electronic and Postal Communications Act for online content, the Right to Information Act 2016, and the Cybercrime Act. These amendments are seen as crucial steps toward facilitating easier access to information for citizens and promoting transparency.
A Legacy of Media Regulation
The Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) has a rich legacy in its role as a regulator and advocate for media freedom. Established in response to the liberalization of media policies in the early ’90s, the MCT has been dedicated to upholding media freedom while ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
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Addressing Ethical Lapses and Promoting Professionalism
Initially, the Council’s primary focus was to address ethical lapses within the media. Through its Ethics Committee, it mediated complaints from the public against media organizations, working to maintain journalistic integrity and standards.
Over time, the MCT expanded its responsibilities to include ethics and professionalism training. This was in response to the need for qualified practitioners in the growing media industry. The proliferation of media outlets did not necessarily correspond to the availability of professionals with the necessary skills and ethical grounding.
Information Research Centers
In addition to its regulatory and training roles, the MCT operates two information research centers. These centers serve media practitioners, scholars, researchers, and journalism students, contributing to the development of media knowledge and practice in both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
As Tanzania navigates the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and technology, the call for public awareness and responsible use remains at the forefront, ensuring that the benefits of these advancements are harnessed while mitigating their potential risks.
