Pakistan Calls for Ethical AI Framework to Combat Disinformation at Istanbul Stratcom Summit
ISTANBUL – Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Ullah Tarar, delivered a compelling address at the fourth International Strategic Communication Forum (Stratcom Summit ’24) in Istanbul, emphasizing the urgent need for an ethical framework governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed the importance of ensuring AI’s deployment is "fair and sustainable," particularly in countering the escalating threat of disinformation. The two-day summit, themed "AI in Communication: Trends, Traps, and Transition," brought together international leaders and experts to explore the transformative impact of AI on communication strategies and the challenges it presents.
Tarar’s remarks came during a panel discussion titled "AI in National Strategy: Governmental Perspectives on Digital Transformation and Strategic Communication." He acknowledged the dual nature of AI, recognizing its immense potential while cautioning against its misuse. He argued that integrating AI into national systems requires a careful approach, ensuring its application upholds truth, promotes social justice, adheres to ethical values, and serves as a robust tool against the spread of misinformation.
The Information Minister highlighted the growing concern surrounding AI’s role in propagating false narratives, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as a stark example. He underscored the need to prioritize mitigating the risks of misinformation alongside encouraging investment in AI development and deployment. Tarar stressed that uncontrolled AI narratives can exacerbate existing conflicts and create new fault lines in an increasingly interconnected world. He urged the international community to collaborate on developing mechanisms to verify information disseminated through AI platforms and hold those who manipulate AI for malicious purposes accountable.
Pakistan’s commitment to harnessing AI for positive social and economic transformation was also a key focus of Tarar’s address. He outlined the ambitious Digital Pakistan Vision, a national initiative aimed at transitioning the country into a knowledge-based economy. This vision includes an aggressive plan to train one million students in AI tools by 2025, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape and contribute to a digitally empowered Pakistan. This educational initiative, Tarar explained, is designed to prepare Pakistan’s youth for the future job market and position the country as a regional leader in AI development and application.
Tarar further elaborated on the Pakistan Digital Dialogue project, illustrating how the government is leveraging generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to craft citizen-centric communication strategies. The project aims to improve government transparency and responsiveness by using AI to analyze public sentiment and tailor communication to address citizen concerns effectively. This approach, according to Tarar, allows for more personalized and targeted communication, enhancing engagement and fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
The Stratcom Summit ’24 provided a vital platform for global dialogue on the complex interplay between AI and communication. As AI continues to permeate all aspects of society, the discussions held at the summit underscore the importance of international cooperation in establishing ethical guidelines, fostering responsible AI development, and mitigating the risks associated with this powerful technology. The event served as a crucial step towards shaping a future where AI is used constructively to enhance communication, promote transparency, and ultimately, contribute to a more informed and connected world. The outcomes of the summit are expected to inform national strategies and international collaborations aimed at navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly evolving AI landscape.