U.S. Advancing Responsible AI

The 21st century is frequently called the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), prompting questions about its societal implications. It actively transforms numerous processes across various domains, and research ethics (RE) is no exception. Multiple challenges, encompassing accountability, privacy, and openness, are emerging.

Research Ethics Boards (REBs) have been instituted to guarantee adherence to ethical standards throughout research. This scoping review seeks to illuminate the challenges posed by AI in research ethics and assess the preparedness of REBs in evaluating these challenges. Ethical guidelines and standards for AI development and deployment are essential to address these concerns.

To sustain this awareness, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a part of the Department of Energy, has joined the Trillion Parameter Consortium (TPC), a global collaboration of scientists, researchers, and industry professionals. The consortium aimed to address the challenges of building large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) systems and advancing trustworthy and reliable AI for scientific discovery.

ORNL’s collaboration with TPC aligns seamlessly with its commitment to developing secure, reliable, and energy-efficient AI, complementing the consortium’s emphasis on responsible AI. With over 300 researchers utilising AI to address Department of Energy challenges and hosting the world’s most powerful supercomputer, Frontier, ORNL is well-equipped to significantly contribute to the consortium’s objectives.

Leveraging its AI research and extensive resources, the laboratory will be crucial in addressing challenges such as constructing large-scale generative AI models for scientific and engineering problems. Specific tasks include creating scalable model architectures, implementing effective training strategies, organising and curating data for model training, optimising AI libraries for exascale computing platforms, and evaluating progress in scientific task learning, reliability, and trust.

TPC strives to build an open community of researchers developing advanced large-scale generative AI models for scientific and engineering progress. The consortium plans to voluntarily initiate, manage, and coordinate projects to prevent redundancy and enhance impact. Additionally, TPC seeks to establish a global network of resources and expertise to support the next generation of AI, uniting researchers focused on large-scale AI applications in science and engineering.

Prasanna Balaprakash, ORNL R&D staff scientist and director of the lab’s AI Initiative, said, “ORNL envisions being a critical resource for the consortium and is committed to ensuring the future of AI across the scientific spectrum.”

Further, as an international organisation that supports education, science, and culture, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has established ten principles of AI ethics regarding scientific research.

Beneficence: AI systems should be designed to promote the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment.
Non-maleficence: AI systems should avoid causing harm to individuals, communities, and the environment.
Autonomy: Individuals should have the right to control their data and to make their own decisions about how AI systems are used.
Justice: AI systems should be designed to be fair, equitable, and inclusive.
Transparency: AI systems’ design, operation, and outcomes should be transparent and explainable.
Accountability: There should be clear lines of responsibility for developing, deploying, and using AI systems.
Privacy: The privacy of individuals should be protected when data is collected, processed, and used by AI systems.
Data security: Data used by AI systems should be secure and protected from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Human oversight: AI systems should be subject to human management and control.
Social and environmental compatibility: AI systems should be designed to be compatible with social and ecological values.

Since 1979, ORNL’s AI research has gained a portfolio with the launch of the Oak Ridge Applied Artificial Intelligence Project to ensure the alignment of UNESCO principles. Today, the AI Initiative focuses on developing secure, trustworthy, and energy-efficient AI across various applications, showcasing the laboratory’s commitment to advancing AI in fields ranging from biology to national security. The collaboration with TPC reinforces ORNL’s dedication to driving breakthroughs in large-scale scientific AI, aligning with the world agenda in implementing AI ethics.

Digitalising Bureaucracy: Indonesia’s Vision for Agile Governance

The Indonesian government actively strives to implement thematic Bureaucratic Reform (RB) directly addressing societal issues. Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) Abdullah Azwar Anas emphasised that innovation is one way to realise impactful bureaucracy.

To create impactful bureaucracy through innovation, the PANRB Ministry, which oversees public services, encourages local governments to replicate innovations through the Public Service Innovation Replication Forum (FRIPP). This is done to expand the reach of inventions and make them an integral part of the Bureaucratic Reform effort. The PANRB Ministry, as the overseer of public services, pays special attention to the steps local governments take in implementing innovations in public service delivery.

The Public Service Innovation Replication Forum (FRIPP) is a platform for local governments to share and discuss their experiences adopting specific innovations. By sharing best practices and learnings, local governments can gain valuable insights to enhance the quality of public services at the local level.

Furthermore, Abdullah Azwar Anas emphasised that inter-government collaboration is critical to building an innovative and positively impactful bureaucracy. “Through FRIPP, we encourage local governments to inspire and adopt innovations that have proven to provide real benefits to the community,” said Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas.

As previously reported by OpenGov Asia, the PANRB Ministry, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Administrative Agency (LAN), successfully launched the National Public Service Innovation Network (JIPPNas) website as a knowledge management system and the national database for public service innovations.

JIPPNas represents a concrete step in building an innovation ecosystem at the national level. This platform allows local governments to share ideas, projects, and innovative solutions in delivering public services. With this platform, other local governments can easily access and adopt innovations, accelerating the spread of best practices.

“Therefore, the presence of JIPPNas is expected to be an effort to grow new public service models through collaboration to achieve the future government,” said Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas.

In the discourse of Future Government, Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas outlined four main focus areas of the Thematic Bureaucratic Reform, which serve as the foundation for ambitious goals: poverty alleviation, increased investment, digitisation of government administration, and accelerating the current President’s priorities. Emphasis on these areas is crucial to ensuring that the bureaucracy is an effective and efficient driving force in realising the government’s vision and mission.

Minister Anas stressed the importance of a prime bureaucratic condition as a foundation to achieve the desired goals. Like a machine that must be well-maintained, the bureaucracy is directed to be able to drive the “vehicle” of the government towards the desired direction. Thus, the success of implementing the Thematic Bureaucratic Reform involves not only structural transformation but also upholding the quality and readiness of the bureaucracy as the primary driver of development.

Addressing Future Governance or Governance 5.0, Minister Anas detailed a significant paradigm shift. The “government regulating society” transitions to “Government working together with society,” or more precisely, considering society as a partner. This concept marks an evolution in how the government interacts with society, creating closer and more inclusive collaboration.

The importance of support from strategic partners such as Indonesia Infrastructure Project Governance (IIPG) is also highlighted. As a supporter of public governance reform, IIPG significantly contributes to maintaining synergy and harmonisation of roles across multi-sectors, both from the private and public sectors. This synergy is crucial in maintaining optimal performance and achieving public governance reform goals.

In line with the paradigm shift and focus on reform, these steps mark the government’s severe efforts to build a foundation for an adaptive, responsive, and actively engaged Future Government. Thematic Bureaucratic Reform is not just about structural transformation but also an effort to create a governance ecosystem capable of meeting the challenges and demands of the times effectively and competitively.

Thailand Strengthening Data Privacy and AI Safeguards

All institutions rely on IT to deliver services. Disruption, degradation, or unauthorised alteration of information and systems can impact an institution’s condition, core processes, and risk profile. Furthermore, organisations are expected to make quick decisions due to the rapid pace of dynamic transformation. To stay competitive, data is a crucial resource for tackling this challenge.

Hence, data protection is paramount in safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of this invaluable resource. Organisations must implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorised access, data breaches, and other cyber threats that could compromise sensitive information.

Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, supports the National Agenda in fortifying personal data protection with Asst Prof Dr Veerachai Atharn, Assistant Director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Science Park, and Dr Siwa Rak Siwamoksatham, Secretary-General of the Personal Data Protection Committee, gave a welcome speech. It marks that the training aims to bolster the knowledge about data protection among the citizens of Thailand.

Data protection is not only for the organisation, but it also becomes responsible for the individuals, Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong emphasises. Thailand has collaboratively developed a comprehensive plan regarding the measures to foster a collective defence against cyber threats towards data privacy.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will expedite efforts to block illegal trading of personal information. Offenders will be actively pursued, prosecuted, and arrested to ensure a swift and effective response in safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals’ data.

This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to fortify data protection measures and create a safer online environment for all citizens by partnering with other entities.

Further, many countries worldwide share these cybersecurity concerns. In Thailand’s neighbouring country, Indonesia, the government has noticed that data privacy is a crucial aspect that demands attention. Indonesia has recognised the paramount importance of safeguarding individuals’ privacy and has taken significant steps to disseminate stakeholders to gain collaborative effort in fortifying children’s security.

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Communication and Information of Indonesia, observed that children encounter abundant online information and content. It can significantly lead them to unwanted exposure and potential risks as artificial intelligence has evolved.

Patria stressed the crucial role of AI, emphasising the importance of implementing automatic content filters and moderation to counteract harmful content. AI can be used to detect cyberbullying through security measures and by recognising the patterns of cyberbullying perpetrators. It can also identify perpetrators of online violence through behavioural detection in the digital space and enhance security and privacy protection. Moreover, AI can assist parents in monitoring screen time, ensuring that children maintain a balanced and healthy level of engagement with digital devices.

Conversely, the presence of generative AI technology, such as deep fake, enables the manipulation of photo or video content, potentially leading to the creation of harmful material with children as victims. Patria urged collaborative discussions among all stakeholders involved in related matters to harness AI technology for the advancement and well-being of children in Indonesia.

In the realm of digital advancements, cybersecurity is the priority right now. Through public awareness campaigns, workshops, and training initiatives, nations aim to empower citizens with the knowledge to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber threats effectively. The ongoing commitment to cybersecurity reflects the country’s dedication to ensuring a secure and thriving digital future for its citizens and the broader digital community.

Philippine E-Travel System Enhances Border Control

The introduction of the E-Travel Customs System at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in conjunction with key stakeholders represents a significant stride in the direction of enhancing national security and streamlining customs processes in the Philippines.

This transformative system, developed in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), marks a significant leap in digitising data collection processes for travellers and crew members arriving in and departing from the Philippines.

The integration of the Electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (e-CBDF) and Electronic Currencies Declaration Form (e-CDF) into the BI’s eTravel System is a pivotal step in the evolution of border control practices. This collaborative initiative aims to optimise customs procedures, bolster health surveillance, and facilitate in-depth economic data analysis.

The E-Travel Customs System, a unified digital data collection platform, streamlines the passenger experience at airport terminals. Its standout feature is the integration of the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration interface, formerly part of the BOC’s I-Declare System, introduced last year.

Travellers and crew members can now utilise a user-friendly, single web portal that consolidates the border control requirements of the Bureau of Quarantine, BOC, BI and the BSP.

This not only enhances the overall passenger experience but also enables the BOC to receive advanced information for effective risk profiling. Besides, the timely sharing of information with AMLC and BSP strengthens the nation’s commitment to combat money laundering and ensure financial security.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y Rubio expressed confidence in the E-Travel Customs System’s potential to revolutionise customs processes, stating, “This collaborative initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and efficiency in customs management.”

The E-Travel Customs System will play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of the borders and fostering a seamless travel experience for all. Commissioner Bienvenido added that they are dedicated to advancing the customs practices, aligning with global standards, and safeguarding the interests of the nation.

The BOC cited that the E-Travel Customs System stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions for border control, aligning with international standards, and advancing towards a more secure and efficient customs environment. The collaborative efforts of the BOC, BI, AMLC, BSP, and DICT signify a commitment to innovation, ensuring that the Philippines remains at the forefront of modern customs practices.

The E-Travel Customs System represents a paradigm shift in customs management, transcending mere technological enhancement. It stands as a strategic initiative meticulously designed to reshape and fortify customs practices, infusing them with agility, heightened security, and alignment with global best practices. This innovative system is not merely an upgrade; it is a holistic approach aimed at ushering in a new era of efficiency and adaptability in customs operations.

As the Philippines embraces this technological leap into the future of border control, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to establishing a customs environment that goes beyond traditional boundaries. The system’s multifaceted capabilities, ranging from streamlined data collection to real-time risk profiling, showcase its transformative potential.

By prioritising technological advancements, the nation aims to enhance the overall travel experience, reduce procedural bottlenecks, and strengthen its position in global efforts to ensure secure and seamless border management.

Securing Vietnam’s Digital Future

In a significant move aimed at fortifying the nation’s technological landscape, the Vietnam Authority of Information Security (AIS) has underscored the non-negotiable nature of cybersecurity in the current digital landscape.

Emphasising the indispensability of robust cybersecurity measures, the AIS recommended stringent adherence to these protocols across agencies, institutions, and businesses. In today’s digital landscape, the confluence of telecommunications and IT has redefined the contours of security, compelling institutions and businesses to recalibrate their approach to information security.

Image credits: Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications

A workshop dedicated to IT and information security held in Hanoi spotlighted the criticality of information security investment for the digital future. A collaborative effort between AIS, Viettel Cyber Security, and IEC Group, the summit aimed at empowering institutions and businesses to proactively anticipate risks and navigate confidently through the complexities of the digital landscape.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Nguyen Son Hai, CEO of Viettel Cyber Security observes that the digital transformation wave brings a torrent of information security risks. Viettel Threat Intelligence, for instance, reported 12 million hacked accounts within Vietnam, with 48 million data records compromised and traded in the cyberspace market. Moreover, the stark reality is that numerous entities remain unaware of being under cyberattack.

Financial fraud looms large on this precarious horizon. An alarming revelation showcases the exploitation of 5,800 domain names masquerading as commercial banks, e-wallets, manufacturing firms, and retail giants, posing a severe threat to users’ assets through deceitful means.

Ransomware, an escalating menace, presents formidable challenges to organisations and businesses. Its disruptive potential can cripple entire operations, with cybercriminals extorting exorbitant sums, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, from their victims.

Nguyen Son Hai highlighted the 300 GB of encrypted organisational data published on the Internet, indicating that the actual figures are likely higher, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Tran Dang Khoa from AIS stressed the perennial existence of information security risks, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions. He outlined five pivotal criteria for cybersecurity solutions: legality, effectiveness, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and a crucial emphasis on utilising solutions originating from Vietnam.

The paramount importance of legal compliance within cybersecurity frameworks cannot be overstated. Organisations providing online services bear a heightened responsibility to ensure compliance, as information security is mandated by law. Straying from these regulations can render entities liable in the event of security breaches.

Despite substantial investments in sophisticated protection systems, the efficacy of these measures remains questionable if they cannot detect and avert cyberattacks. The challenge lies in optimising system efficiency while rationalising costs – an arduous task that cybersecurity firms endeavour to address.

Khoa acknowledges the need to address existing vulnerabilities alongside fortifying against new threats. Neglecting existing risks within systems, and waiting for opportune moments for cyber assailants, poses significant dangers. Pre-emptive measures must focus on rectifying known vulnerabilities before investing in additional protective tools.

Khoa highlighted that vulnerabilities often emanate not from direct cyberattacks but from individuals within organisations possessing inadequate technological proficiency. Exploiting these individuals can cascade attacks throughout systems, amplifying vulnerabilities exponentially.

Empowering all personnel within organisations with robust cybersecurity knowledge and skills emerges as a pivotal defence mechanism. Khoa accentuated the criticality of imparting such knowledge to safeguard information systems comprehensively.

Furthermore, advocating for the utilisation of ‘Make in Vietnam’ products, solutions, and services assumes significance. Homegrown solutions tailored to address the specific intricacies of Vietnamese organisations offer unique advantages. These domestic solutions not only offer timely support but also demonstrate a deep understanding of local challenges, aiding in swift problem resolution.

As businesses and institutions navigate this dynamic digital terrain, the proactive integration of these strategies is pivotal in safeguarding against the multifaceted threats that loom large in the era of digital proliferation.

Vietnam Bridging Laws to Digital Infrastructure

The fusion of telecommunications and IT, coupled with the rapid advancement of digital technology, is erasing the traditional demarcation lines between these sectors. This shift not only blurs boundaries but also brings forth a fresh set of demands necessitating a rethinking of institutional frameworks.

The approval of the amended Law on Telecommunications by the National Assembly, with an overwhelming 468 out of 472 yes votes, marks a pivotal juncture in Vietnam’s legislative journey. This comprehensive law spans 10 chapters and 73 articles, aligning itself with international standards while staying attuned to the evolving trends within the Vietnamese telecommunications sphere, as highlighted by the Authority of Telecommunications (AOT).

One of the law’s notable facets is the introduction of novel regulations governing the management of data centres, cloud computing, and fundamental internet-based telecommunications services. This move synchronises with the developmental trajectory of the telecommunications sector, particularly in response to the fusion of telecommunications with information technology.

The transformative surge in digital technology and its consequential impact on telecommunications infrastructure has redefined the paradigm. What was once conventional telecommunications infrastructure now assumes the mantle of a digital infrastructure underpinning the burgeoning digital economy.

This digital infrastructure encompasses an array of pivotal components, including broadband and universal telecommunication infrastructure, IoT networks, data centres, cloud computing facilities, and digital service and platform infrastructures. Recognising its pivotal role, stakeholders emphasise the multifaceted importance of digital infrastructure, delineating it as universal, sustainable, environmentally conscious, intelligent, and secure.

The trajectory of digital transformation has significantly elevated the stature of data as the most prized asset within the digital economy, rendering data centre infrastructure and cloud computing as indispensable pillars. As a result, stringent regulations and sustainable development policies become imperative to sustain and foster these critical components of digital infrastructure.

The advent of internet-enabled telecommunications services has unveiled new complexities in regulatory oversight. The traditional nexus between telecommunication network infrastructure and service provision has undergone a paradigm shift. Consequently, managing telecommunications services on the Internet and regulating cross-border services have emerged as pressing concerns.

Vietnam’s proactive engagement in next-generation free trade agreements since 2010 has spurred heightened commitments beyond the purview of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This evolution in global trade dynamics necessitates a commensurate evolution in domestic legislative frameworks. Consequently, revisiting and refining the Law on Telecommunications becomes imperative to ensure alignment with contemporary laws and regulations.

The impending enactment of this law is poised to serve as a foundational cornerstone, enabling Vietnam to actualise its ambitions of telecommunications development and fortification of its global standing in the telecommunications realm. This legislative stride not only solidifies Vietnam’s technological footprint but also aligns its regulatory landscape with the exigencies of a rapidly evolving digital era.

Vietnam has been robustly pushing its digital infrastructure agenda and has been putting in place strategies and policies to support this thrust. OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Information and Communications is preparing to launch a strategic plan for international fibre-optic cable development, eyeing robust digital infrastructure growth and emphasising the country’s thriving internet economy. The Ministry is currently designing a strategy for Vietnam’s international fibre-optic cable development that will soon be released.

This initiative aims to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, according to Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of MIC. He pointed out that the existing lack of infrastructure presents an opportunity for Vietnam, as there is considerable room to develop it in new innovative and effective ways.

Digital Solutions for Climate Resilience in New Zealand

Nations across the world have recognised the importance of adopting digital technology systems for climate prediction, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where professionals require accurate forecasts to strategise effectively. New Zealand known for its massive agriculture sector, is one such country.

Agriculture is the country’s largest sector of the tradable economy, accounting for 79.6% of the country’s total exported goods in the 12 months to June 2019. The industry directly contributed US$12.653 billion (or 5.1%) of the national GDP in the 12 months to September 2020 and employed 143,000 people, 5.9% of New Zealand’s workforce, as of the 2018 census.

As New Zealand’s economy is significantly dependent on agricultural and horticultural products exports, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has ushered in a new era of precision agriculture and climate resilience by implementing a cutting-edge digital system. This transformative technology provides real-time updates on soil moisture patterns across New Zealand, offering unprecedented insights into the nation’s agricultural landscape and potential drought risks.

NIWA’s digital platform leverages advanced algorithms to produce real-time soil moisture anomaly maps. These maps, accessible through interactive interfaces, empower stakeholders, including land owners, policymakers, farmers, and communities, with instantaneous information crucial for making informed decisions. The digital system considers historical data, providing a holistic view of soil moisture deficits and surpluses, ultimately aiding in identifying regions prone to drought.

The digital platform excels in illustrating recent rainfall patterns and correlating them with corresponding changes in soil moisture. The visual representation of precise rainfall amounts and their impact on soil moisture levels enables a nuanced understanding of soil health and serves as an early warning system for potential drought risks. This digital tool becomes an indispensable asset for proactive agricultural management.

As a data visualisation expertise, NIWA implements digital forecasting to integrate with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to predict upcoming rainfall patterns. By leveraging AI, the platform enhances the accuracy of predictions, providing stakeholders with actionable insights into potential soil moisture increases or decreases. This proactive approach enables farmers to optimise irrigation strategies, ensuring sustainable water use and crop health by predicting rainfall anomalies.

Digital scenarios outlining future rainfall anomalies are crucial in long-term agriculture and water resource management planning. These scenarios, generated through advanced digital modelling, empower stakeholders to prepare for varying conditions and strategically address potential challenges. This forward-looking approach contributes to the development of resilient agricultural practices.

NIWA integrates digital indices, including a 60-day rainfall deficit, into the New Zealand Drought Index (NZDI). This digital integration ensures a more comprehensive assessment of drought conditions. While soil moisture anomaly maps provide rapid updates, the NZDI reflects changes over time, offering policymakers and resource managers a nuanced perspective.

The digital revolution extends to NIWA’s Hotspot Watch, a weekly advisory service that harnesses digital technology for precise drought assessment. Digital soil moisture deficit calculations, paired with soil moisture anomaly analyses, enable the identification of hotspots – regions facing extreme dryness with the potential to escalate into drought. This digital precision empowers communities to take timely and targeted actions to mitigate the impact of drought.

In an ongoing commitment to expand how agriculture industries or businesses access and interpret weather information, NIWA offers a bespoke solution – forecast videos. These videos transcend the conventional static forecast, providing a dynamic and immersive experience tailored to the needs of businesses operating in New Zealand, with the option for personalised presentations hosted by an NIWA meteorologist or the streamlined efficiency of automated videos. NIWA empowers them to stay ahead of the weather with unparalleled precision.

This personalised approach ensures that the forecast is not just data but a valuable resource comprehensible to industries across the range. With extensive knowledge, NIWA offers a nuanced perspective, translating complex meteorological information into actionable insights relevant to agriculture business or industry in New Zealand.

CSIRO Study: Navigating the Complexities of AI

Liming Zhu and Qinghua Lu, leaders in the study of responsible AI at CSIRO and Co-authors of Responsible AI: Best Practices for Creating Trustworthy AI Systems delve into the realm of responsible AI through their extensive work and research.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), currently a major focal point, is revolutionising almost all facets of life, presenting entirely novel methods and approaches. The latest trend, Generative AI, has taken the helm, crafting content from cover letters to campaign strategies and conjuring remarkable visuals from scratch.

Global regulators, leaders, researchers and the tech industry grapple with the substantial risks posed by AI. Ethical concerns loom large due to human biases, which, when embedded in AI training, can exacerbate discrimination. Mismanaged data without diverse representation can lead to real harm, evidenced by instances like biased facial recognition and unfair loan assessments. These underscore the need for thorough checks before deploying AI systems to prevent such harmful consequences.

The looming threat of AI-driven misinformation, including deepfakes and deceptive content, concerning for everyone, raising fears of identity impersonation online. The pivotal question remains: How do we harness AI’s potential for positive impact while effectively mitigating its capacity for harm?

Responsible AI involves the conscientious development and application of AI systems to benefit individuals, communities, and society while mitigating potential negative impacts, Liming Zhu and Qinghua Lu advocate.

These principles emphasise eight key areas for ethical AI practices. Firstly, AI should prioritise human, societal, and environmental well-being throughout its lifecycle, exemplified by its use in healthcare or environmental protection. Secondly, AI systems should uphold human-centred values, respecting rights and diversity. However, reconciling different user needs poses challenges. Ensuring fairness is crucial to prevent discrimination, highlighted by critiques of technologies like Amazon’s Facial Recognition.

Moreover, maintaining privacy protection, reliability, and safety is imperative. Instances like Clearview AI’s privacy breaches underscore the importance of safeguarding personal data and conducting pilot studies to prevent unforeseen harms, as witnessed with the chatbot Tay generating offensive content due to vulnerabilities.

Transparency and explainability in AI use are vital, requiring clear disclosure of AI limitations. Contestability enables people to challenge AI outcomes or usage, while accountability demands identification and responsibility from those involved in AI development and deployment. Upholding these principles can encourage ethical and responsible AI behaviour across industries, ensuring human oversight of AI systems.

Identifying problematic AI behaviour can be challenging, especially when AI algorithms drive high-stakes decisions impacting specific individuals. An alarming instance in the U.S. resulted in a longer prison sentence determined by an algorithm, showcasing the dangers of such applications. Qinghua highlighted the issue with “black box” AI systems, where users and affected parties lack insight into and means to challenge decisions made by these algorithms.

Liming emphasised the inherent complexity and autonomy of AI, making it difficult to ensure complete compliance with responsible AI principles before deployment. Therefore, user monitoring of AI becomes crucial. Users must be vigilant and report any violations or discrepancies to the service provider or authorities.

Holding AI service and product providers accountable is essential in shaping a future where AI operates ethically and responsibly. This call for vigilance and action from users is instrumental in creating a safer and more accountable AI landscape.

Australia is committed to the fair and responsible use of technology, especially artificial intelligence. During discussions held on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, the Australian Prime Minister unveiled the government’s commitment to responsibly harnessing generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector.

The DTA-facilitated collaboration showcases the Australian Government’s proactive investment in preparing citizens for job landscape changes. Starting a six-month trial from January to June 2024, Australia leads globally in deploying advanced AI services. This initiative enables APS staff to innovate using generative AI, aiming to overhaul government services and meet evolving Australian needs.

Khon Kaen University’s Transformative Tech in Exam Preparation

In a world where technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of human lives, the field of education has not remained untouched. The integration of digital technology into the educational landscape has emerged as a transformative endeavour, ushering in a new era of learning and examination preparation. This paradigm shift represents a leap forward, particularly in the realm of how students approach and navigate the complexities of entrance exams. An illustration of this transformative potential unfolds in the innovative efforts of three students at Khon Kaen University.

A group of enterprising first-year students from the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University has taken the initiative to develop a website called “XZAM” that caters to the needs of students preparing for their entrance exams. “Exams can be daunting for us, and this innovative platform aims to provide a comprehensive and centralised resource for students seeking practice tests and answer keys,” asserted Tanyalak Sasiwarinkul. He added that the XZAM emerges as a beacon of support and guidance, aiming to alleviate the stress associated with exam preparation.

Teetawat Butrthai has observed that with new tests being continuously produced and scattered across various sources, the task of gathering and utilising these resources can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To address this issue, the XZAM consolidates tests and answer keys for various subjects into a single, easily accessible platform, saving students the hassle of searching through multiple sources.

Teetawat elaborated that the XZAM is built using React, a JavaScript library, and Bootstrap CSS framework, ensuring a user-friendly interface that adapts to different screen sizes. The Firebase Authentication API and Firebase Cloud Firestore empower users with secure logins and data storage within the platform. This ensures the protection of user information while maintaining a seamless user experience.

Putthipong Kitisriworapan, one of the students, explained that not all students have equal access to resources or the time to prepare for their exams thoroughly. This platform addresses this disparity by providing a free and convenient way for students to access practice materials, regardless of their socioeconomic background or learning style. The ability to bookmark tests allows students to revisit important questions and track their progress easily.

The XZAM team adheres to intellectual property rights by not directly hosting test content on their platform. Instead, they utilise search-based methods to identify relevant tests and attach links to the sources. This approach ensures that copyright holders retain their ownership while providing students with easy access to valuable practice materials.

The XZAM stands as a testament to the power of technology to democratise education and empower students. Assoc Prof Kanda Saikaew, PhD, a lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering and one of the students’ advisers, explained that by providing a centralised and accessible platform for practice tests and answer keys, the XZAM has simplified the exam preparation process for students of all backgrounds, fostering a more equitable learning environment.

“The XZAM’s extends beyond being a practical tool for exam preparation. For us, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, community, and forward-thinking in the dynamic convergence of education and technology in Thailand’s education,” concluded Prof Kanda.

OpenGov Asia reported that KKU has committed to upgrading its education with digital technology. It has been steadfast in delivering an inclusive, technology-centred education, geared to prepare students for the demands of the digital era. Through collaborations with industry pioneers, the university is resolutely focused on empowering students with the essential skills and knowledge vital for success in a digital landscape.

In alignment with this vision, KKU showcased its commitment during the 60th-anniversary celebrations by hosting speakers from the United States, Singapore and Finland as part of the Education Transformation Project.

Robotic Prosthetic Transforming Healthcare and Mobility

Robotic advancement is revolutionising industries across the globe, bringing increased efficiency, precision, and new frontiers of exploration. These machines transform healthcare, palaeontology, and supply chains, demonstrating their adaptability and potential.

For instance, in Indonesia’s healthcare industry, robots are crucial, assisting surgeons in procedures, providing rehabilitation therapies, and even delivering medications to patients. Telesurgical robots offer enhanced skill and precision, minimising invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes. Robots can also perform complex manoeuvres and have a more comprehensive range of motion than human hands, helping reduce surgeon and physical fatigue during lengthy procedures and reducing data transmission delays.

In the U.S. alone, robots are revolutionising the field of prosthetics, providing individuals with disabilities newfound mobility and independence. Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed robotic prosthetic ankles controlled by nerve impulses, restoring natural movement and stability to amputee patients. This innovative technology holds potential for improving the lives of individuals with lower limb amputations.

It is acknowledged that traditional prosthetic ankles rely on external controls, such as straps or cables, for limited movement. However, these methods often need more precision and responsiveness for natural movement. Neural control, on the other hand, harnesses the power of the user’s nervous system to control the prosthetic device directly. At the same time, this innovation has a lot of advantages, including intuitive and natural movement, improved stability and balance, and enhanced proprioception.

Researchers explored the effectiveness of neural-controlled prosthetic ankles. They collaborated with five individuals who had undergone below-knee amputations on one leg. Each participant was fitted with a prototype robotic prosthetic ankle that responded to muscular signals detected by sensors attached to their portion.

For evaluating the performance of the neural-controlled prosthetic ankles, the participants were instructed to react to an “anticipated perturbation” under two conditions: using their customary prosthetic devices and the robotic prosthetic prototype. The anticipated perturbation involved a sudden shift in the support surface, simulating the experience of encountering an unexpected obstacle or uneven terrain.

The study’s results revealed improvements in stability, balance, and proprioception among participants using the neural-controlled prosthetic ankles compared to their traditional prostheses. Participants equipped with the robotic prototype demonstrated an ability to maintain balance and coordination even when faced with unexpected disruptions. They also exhibited enhanced proprioception, enabling them to perceive the position and movement of their prosthetic ankle with greater precision.

The development of neural-controlled prosthetic ankles represents a leap forward in prosthetics. This technology holds the potential to revolutionise the lives of individuals with amputations, providing them with a level of mobility and independence that was previously unattainable.

As research progresses, neural-controlled prostheses are envisioned to become better and more accessible. Researchers are exploring ways to integrate additional sensory feedback, such as touch and pressure, to enhance the user’s experience further. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning advancements could enable prosthetic devices to learn and adapt to the user’s needs and preferences. The future of neural-controlled prostheses will offer the restoring mobility, improving quality of life, and transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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U.S. Advancing Responsible AI

Digitalising Bureaucracy: Indonesia’s Vision for Agile Governance

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