The Lagos State Government on Friday vowed to ensure that the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhanced farness and transparency in dealing with consumers.
The theme of this years celebration is “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers.” The event was organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).
Speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said Sanwo-Olu has been at the vanguard of innovation and advocating consumer rights, ensuring that the advancements in artificial intelligence and technology at large served to enhance the lives of citizens, not complicate them.
She stated that the advent of artificial intelligence presented unparalleled opportunities for development, efficiency, and convenience, saying that government also recognised the potential challenges it posed, especially in terms of consumer rights and protection.
Ambrose-Medebem added that the current administration had been proactive in implementing policies that not only encouraged the development of AI but also ensure that such technologies were deployed responsibly, stressing that government had been at the forefront of advocating for and instituting regulatory frameworks that safeguard consumer rights, promote data privacy, and ensure the ethical use of AI.
The commissioner emphasised that the journey towards fair and responsible AI is a collective one that required the collaboration of governments, businesses, technologists, and consumers.
The General Manager, LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo said the importance of the event could not be overemphasized given the significance of fair and responsible AI in the day-to-day activities of Consumers.
“The importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be overstated as it has revolutionized the way businesses engage with their clientele. Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalized recommendations to automated decision-making processes.
“In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we will be addressing the importance of fair and responsible AI for all consumers,” he said.
Solebo said AI in customer service offered efficiency, speed, and personalization, saying this not only enhanced seamless customer experience but also freed up human agents to focus more on complex tasks, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
“AI analyzes vast amounts of data to understand customer preferences and allows companies to proactively address issues before they arise.
“In the current dispensation, the top AI talent market is diversifying and deepening as major manufacturing- Automotive, health, defense, consultancy companies, banks and many others are reinventing themselves as AI-led technology organizations. The ability of these companies to attract and grow their top AI talent is exponential.
“Responsible AI involves transparency and accountability, Consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems. Developers and Companies must prioritize ethical considerations, ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole,” he stated.