5G: NCC advocates fair use, responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advocated for fair and responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence to address challenges facing the country.
The Commission stated that the adoption of Fifth Generation Technology (5G) in Nigeria has increased the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various sectors and therefore called for ethical adoption of the innovation.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida made the call at the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja while delivering his keynote address on this year’s edition of the World Consumer Rights’ Day.
Maida said it has also become necessary for consumers of any products/services in the society to be treated fairly with the pervasive deployment of Artificial Intelligence, especially in healthcare, financial and transportation services.
He said with 5G Technology in Nigeria, the use of Artificial Intelligence should be done within the ambit of the laws, respect for citizens privacy and rights, transparency and accountability and without biases.
Maida who was represented by the Executive Commissioner Designate, Stakeholders Management, Engr Abraham Oshadami, said the Commission aligned with the global trend to adopt the theme for this year’s edition as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI ) for the Consumer”.
Maida said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a phenomenon that has captured the imagination of scientists, engineers, and thinkers for decades.
“It represents the culmination of human innovation and the quest to create machines that can mimic human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
“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.
“It’s driving innovation in healthcare, finance, transportation, and countless other fields.”
The EVC NCC posited that AI developers in Nigeria should be transparent about the data, billing systems in services and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can be explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality,” Maida emphasized.
According to him, the Commission in pursuit to join the global community to advance digital services and enhance quality communications infrastructure for the benefit of the citizenry conducted a globally acclaimed most transparent auction for 5G services in Nigeria firstly on December 13th 2021 and secondly on December 5th 2022.
The first auction, he said saw the emergence of MTN and MAFAB as the successful bidders while Airtel Networks Nigeria emerged as the sole bidder at the second auction.
“Since the emergence of these operators as providers of 5G services in Nigeria, there has been a steady growth in the development and deployment AI systems and services and the Commission has been constantly ensuring that the growth is the right direction that guarantees value addition to Consumer satisfaction and experience as well as ensuring economic growth,” EVC NCC said.
He acknowledged that there are regulatory challenges as developing regulations and policies to govern AI deployment can be complex and as well as playing catch up due to technological advancements.
He stated further “Although most Legislative and governing Bodies are looking to regulate this technology, there has been continuous struggle to strike the right balance between risk mitigation and stifling innovation, while promoting innovation and ensuring security and trust. 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. AI developers and Regulators have to ensure AI system algorithms consider, ethics and inclusivity.
“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. Navigating this uncharted territory requires a careful examination of existing laws, the development of new regulations, and ethical considerations to ensure that AI benefits society without compromising fundamental rights and values.”
He pointed out 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.
“These 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. Also not to overlook the most recent, the Harmonized Short Codes initiative which enables consumers to use the same codes to access services across all networks. Recall that one major focus area of the strategic roadmap of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s current Management is the Consumer,” Maida said.
The NCC boss affirmed that the theme of this year will be an integral part of its’ activities considering that AI is a force that is shaping our future in profound ways, adding “It holds incredible potential to improve our lives, but it also challenges us to think critically about how we harness this power responsibly. Our continuous resolve to Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) the telecom consumer is unwavering, particularly as AI technologies continue to advance there is need foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr Clem Omife, said that the World Consumer Rights Day is observed and celebrated on every 15th of March, hence this day is set aside to highlight the rights of consumers and protect them from exploitation, discrimination, and other forms of unfair practices.
Omife said that at the NCC, Telecom consumers are Kings because they provide the major drive and essence of our activities.
The Commission, he said 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.
Accordingly, he said Consumer Education also form a major tool for promoting consumer rights and therefore the Commission continues to engage with consumers and consumer issues using it various outreach programmes such the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Conversations: Market Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Campus Conversation, NYSC Camp Sensitization Town Hall on Radio.
“We have also published the Telecom Consumer Handbook and transcribed into Braille for the Visually impaired.
“Also, the Commission- is in the final process of deploying the Automated Consumer Complaints Management system, which will further expand the complaints channels and improve complaints resolutions even at First level with Service Providers
“The Consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities because we recognize that without the Consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry”, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau said.
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