Atta Tarar calls for inclusive AI regulatory framework at international conference

ISTANBUL: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, at the Startcom Summit 2024, urged the creation of a comprehensive and inclusive regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) that would be “acceptable to all.” Speaking at the international conference, he emphasized the need for AI advancement that aligns with ethical standards and benefits humanity as a whole.

As global AI development accelerates, Minister Tarar stressed the importance of a regulatory framework that promotes the positive use of AI while discouraging its negative applications. “We must come together on common terms to develop a regulatory framework that upholds these standards,” he said.

Highlighting AI’s potential, the minister expressed interest in leveraging AI in sectors like agritech to enhance productivity and improve crop yields. He further advocated for AI applications in education, skill development, fintech, and healthtech, particularly to promote distance learning and improve access to education for disadvantaged students. He also mentioned AI’s potential in increasing school enrollment and combating diseases such as hepatitis and polio.

In his address, Tarar called for AI’s active role in addressing climate change, boosting the economy, and tackling misinformation. He highlighted misinformation as a contemporary challenge, referencing the World Economic Forum’s characterization of it as a threat that leads to economic instability and security crises.

The minister also voiced concerns about selective censorship on social media platforms, particularly on issues related to Gaza, Kashmir, and Lebanon, which he stated have been subjected to unjust judgement.

He recalled being unable to use the image of martyr Burhan Wani due to such censorship and underlined the need to address these humanitarian crises.

Tarar presented Pakistan’s youth population as both an opportunity and a challenge. With 111 million internet users and 71 million social media users, he emphasized the importance of imparting IT and AI skills to the youth.

Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives include the National Fiberization Policy, aimed at providing internet access to the entire population, and a move toward 5G connectivity by mid-2024.

He also pointed out Pakistan’s efforts to develop a National Artificial Intelligence Policy in line with global trends and best ethical standards. Key elements include combating misinformation and ensuring the accuracy of historical data through large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP).

In conclusion, Minister Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to AI development, with ethical standards at the forefront, emphasizing the need for accurate data in addressing challenges like misinformation and disinformation.