In an intriguing twist of events, Saudi Arabia is now advocating for a global agreement to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) aligns with humanitarian and democratic principles. This plea has raised eyebrows among rights activists, especially in light of the regime’s harsh crackdown on dissent, where many have been imprisoned for merely expressing their opinions on social media. The nation’s call emphasizes accountability and transparency in AI but contrasts starkly with their own oppressive practices.
As KSA prepares to host the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in December 2024, it has framed its agenda around making AI beneficial to humanity. The government proposed a global digital identity system, asserting it would help in building trustworthy AI and allowing it to serve the public interest, despite the ongoing repression of free speech in the country. Human rights advocates see this as hypocritical, highlighting the lack of freedom and ongoing arrests of dissenters.
The Riyadh AI Declaration, introduced at IGF, articulated Saudi ambitions for equitable access to technology while calling for measures against misinformation and unauthorized surveillance. However, these declarations are undermined by reports of government actions stifling dissent during the conference. Campaigners expressed fears of detainment and highlighted instances of censorship, raising concerns about the credibility of KSA’s commitment to human rights, especially when authorities confiscated promotional materials during the event.
Prominent activists, despite their fears, attended IGF, focusing on raising awareness about state abuses across the Middle East and Africa. Yet, this effort met resistance as conference sessions were targeted by digital intruders leading to chaotic disruptions, showcasing the country’s challenging relationship with freedom of expression. Many activists shared personal accounts of repression, bringing attention to individuals facing harsh penalties for their views online.
The UN, defending its decision to host IGF in Saudi Arabia, articulated that dialogue with all nations is necessary to foster a global consensus on digital governance based on human rights. Still, the conflicting testimony of activists and the repressive environment within KSA fuels skepticism about the genuine purpose of the forum. With concerns about transparency and the safety of attendees, the atmosphere became tense, lending credence to the doubts surrounding Riyadh’s motives.
Saudi Arabia is pushing for a global AI governance agreement focused on humanitarian values while facing criticism for its oppressive practices against dissenters. The country’s upcoming hosting of the UN Internet Governance Forum sparks skepticism as activists highlight ongoing repression and censorship. Despite its declarations for equitable technology access and digital identity systems, the atmosphere surrounding the forum reflects a reality of fear and control over free expression.
The juxtaposition of Saudi Arabia’s calls for humane AI governance against its authoritarian practices illustrates a deep hypocrisy. While the country seeks to position itself as a leader in human-centric technology, ongoing repression stymies any genuine commitment to these values. The reactions from both activist groups and international observers reflect a growing disillusionment with the rhetoric of reform coming from KSA, highlighting the need for actions to speak louder than words in the arena of human rights.
The call for a humanitarian approach to artificial intelligence by Saudi Arabia comes amidst its reputation as one of the world’s most oppressive regimes. In recent years, the Gulf state has been scrutinized for its harsh treatment of rights activists, who face intimidation, imprisonment, and even disappearances for their online expressions. Hosting international forums like the UN Internet Governance Forum presents an opportunity for KSA to shape global narratives about technology while diverting attention from its own repressive policies. As AI becomes a crucial technology, the governance it requires intersects significantly with civil liberties and human rights, pressing the importance of transparent dialogues.
Original Source: www.computerweekly.com
