As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate the 2024 Consumer Right Day, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for the use of fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) which aim at empowering consumers, build their trust, and minimize negative effects.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida while speaking at the commemoration of the 2024 Consumer Right Day in Abuja stated that fair and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer
using AI responsibly is crucial in order to guarantee consumer trust and circumvent possible problems.
According to Maida, AI Developers need to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems which he said will ensure that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background while preventing biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.
Maida explained that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and transforming the way we live and work. However, as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society, so they bring forth a complex web of legal and regulatory challenges.
Hence protecting citizens’ privacy is extremely important when using AI adding that organizations should handle personal data responsibly, following strict privacy regulations.
Speaking on the theme “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer” Maida noted that AI has already made significant inroads into our lives from voice assistants that respond to our commands to recommendation algorithms that suggest what we should watch, read, or buy, AI is all around us adding that it is driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other fields.
He maintained that in this era that has seen the rise of AI and IoT cybersecurity, it is important to break silos and foster collaboration of the Quadruple Helix Innovation model comprising of the Academia, the Industry, Government and Society to share ideas.
Meanwhile, Maida noted that with the Commission’s special interest and commitment to Consumer Protection, they have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecom consumer.
The initiatives include the Consumer Complaints Management (CCM), through which various channels of lodging complaints were created, the NCC Toll-free line 622 available between 8:00am to 8:00pm daily except on Sundays and Public Holidays, the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Code 2442, for stopping unsolicited messages, the Consumer Portal-http://consumer.ncc.gov.ng, and the Commission Consumer X account @Consumersncc.
Other initiatives include the Telecom Consumer Assistance, Resolution and Enquiries (TELCARE), at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, an additional platform to enhance awareness of the Commission’s activities, make enquiries on consumer complaints and also for advocacy on any thematic telecom issues or concern.
The Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife on his part stated that the Commission recognizes the important position the consumers occupy in the telecommunications ecosystem, and therefore will continue develop and promote consumer centric initiatives aimed at ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected.
Omife noted that Consumers are King and as such will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities having recognized that without the Consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry.