Dr. Julieta del Río
Does the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent a risk to society? Why is it intended to regulate its use in the most developed nations? Is it true that this technology will replace current workers? These and other questions are constant in the forums and conversations that take place around the development of new technology that uses algorithms to carry out certain tasks automatically, simulating the capabilities of a human being. AI by itself does not expose its users to any danger, but it is desirable that during its growth and application it has support regulated by the regulatory framework of the country where it is implemented.
Currently, artificial intelligence is within the reach of any internet user. There are countless applications, web pages and software that to a greater or lesser extent contain algorithms to fulfill specific functions. It is used in the creation of images such as Chat GPT, translators such as DeepL, or music with AIVA that flood social networks. It is even common for large companies to use AI in their chatbots to answer questions from their customers. At the INAI, our Society Service Center known as CAS, has a virtual operator called CAVINAI that guides people on the best routes to resolve their doubts about transparency and the care of their personal data.
The use of new technologies generates confusion in people and feeds on misinformation. If we add to this the lack of regulatory certainty on the matter, a worrying gap is generated. However, not all uses of AI are publicly accessible or have the same level of risk.
At the other extreme we find the medical uses of this technology to create prostheses, perform surgeries with robots, experiments on diseases and epidemics. These types of applications are of interest to governments because their development and application can help society.
Among the few initiatives in the development and study of artificial intelligence in our country, the Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Guadalajara announced its first laboratory known as G.AI.L (Generative AI Lab), which will start in 2024 with the investment of the company Wizeline . However, little progress has been made in public research centers to avoid a lag in the generation of specialized professionals.
Current laws in Mexico do not contemplate the regulation of AI. Even the recent “General Law on Humanities, Sciences, Technologies and Innovation” did not provide for a comparative analysis with international regulation in this area. While proposals from the previous six-year term such as ““Mexico Artificial Intelligence Strategy” of 2018 that proposed the training of technology experts and government coordination have been abandoned.
Currently there are initiatives or working groups that are seeking to prioritize this issue in our country, for example, the National Artificial Intelligence Alliance that is holding discussions on the Impact and challenges of the use of Intelligence. We must open the debate to analyze how this technology can strengthen democracy and transparency, while establishing strategies to reduce its risks in our daily lives.
@JulietDelrio