ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Competition watchdog in the UK warns of negative AI consequences

By our News Team | 2023

An increase in fake reviews and false information, as well as flouting of consumer protection laws, are all possible results of the AI boom.

Britain’s competition watchdog has warned that the AI boom may not bring as many positives as people hope. Rather, there will be increased risks around fake reviews, fraud and a rising tide of misinformation.

 

The Competition and Markets Authority is also concerned about a small number of AI companies becoming entrenched and dominant players in the sector, which could lead to less consumer privacy and the flouting of consumer protection laws.

Artificial Intelligence

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

“We can’t take a positive future for granted,” the Chief Executive of the CMA, Sarah Cardell, said this week, as the CMA published its report on AI Foundation Models.

 

“There remains a real risk that the use of AI develops in a way that undermines consumer trust or is dominated by a few players who exert market power that prevents the full benefits being felt across the economy,” added Cardell.

 

Creative industries also at high risk

 

In a statement discussing the report, the Competition and Markets Authority said intellectual property and copyright were also important issues. Authors, news publishers and the creative industries had all raised concerns over uncredited use of their material in building AI models.

 

According to the organisation, it is essential that the AI market does not fall into the hands of a small number of companies, with a potential short-term consequence that consumers are exposed to significant levels of false information and AI-enabled fraud.

 

In the long term, it could enable firms that develop foundation models to gain or entrench positions of market power, and also result in companies charging higher prices for using the technology. 

 

According to news agency Reuters, the Competition and Markets Authority, is, like other authorities around the world, trying to control some of the potential negative consequences of AI without stifling innovation.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.