Don’t let AI become a frankenstein: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Tuesday called for stronger policies and greater public awareness to prevent the misuse and harmful effects of artificial intelligence and other technologies. He said technology should be used to serve public interests while society remained alert to the risks emerging from the rapidly changing digital ecosystem.

“There is no scope to turn our backs on the blessings of information technology. However, if we fail to make the digital ecosystem oriented toward public welfare through the proper use of science and technology, it could, like Frankenstein’s monster, bring a devastating catastrophe upon human civilization itself,” he said.

The minister was speaking at a dialogue titled “Information Integrity and Social Cohesion in Bangladesh: Policy, Platform Accountability and Collective Action”, jointly organised by the Norwegian government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at a city hotel.

Swapon said protecting information integrity and maintaining social cohesion could no longer be viewed solely as the responsibility of software engineers or major social media companies.

“Ensuring information integrity and maintaining social cohesion is no longer solely the concern of software engineers or social media tech giants. It is taking us toward an entirely new ecosystem,” he said.

He pointed to the commercial nature of major social media platforms, saying the algorithms and platforms of Facebook and other social media are primarily operated for business purposes rather than public welfare.

The combination of widespread internet access among ordinary people and the commercial interests of social media platforms had created a complex situation, he said.

Society must therefore identify both the opportunities and challenges of the digital ecosystem while continuing to embrace the benefits of science and technology, the minister added.

Swapon also expressed concern over the growing dependence on artificial intelligence among professionals and young people.

He said excessive reliance on AI instead of using individual innovative abilities was undermining originality and integrity in their work.

“Technology will certainly enhance our innovative capabilities and work efficiency. But people must remain vigilant so that it does not lead them into a quicksand,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for policymaking that combines the expertise of IT specialists with the common sense and experience of ordinary people.

Referring to changes in the newspaper industry, Swapon said traditional media outlets were now generating significant revenue from digital and multimedia platforms alongside their conventional operations.

Against this backdrop, the media, state and non-political stakeholders must work together to ensure the free flow and quality of accurate information, he said.

He expressed hope that international forums and UN agencies would play a more active role in preventing misinformation from Bangladesh and making the digital ecosystem more people-oriented.

Swapon also assured that his ministry would provide all necessary policy support to the process.

Senior officials of the ministry, representatives of the United Nations and civil society representatives attended the dialogue.