Regulations and Safety Take Center Stage at GITEX Global in Dubai: Lagos Deputy Governor Advocates for AI Standards

Regulations, safety, and deepfake technology were the key discussion points as global leaders gathered in Dubai for GITEX Global, held at the Dubai World Trade Center. The event, themed AI Urbanism: Will Algorithms Develop My City?, saw panelists stress the urgent need for standardized regulatory frameworks and compliance policies in artificial intelligence (AI). They emphasized that these measures are essential to ensuring global safety and security in the coming years.

Leading the Lagos State Government delegation, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat advocated for strict legal and compliance procedures for AI, similar to the global data protection policy. In a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Hamzat highlighted the importance of creating standard AI protocols to eliminate biases and enhance global inclusivity.

Hamzat questioned how AI could be leveraged to benefit health, education, and government services universally, and emphasized the need for AI data to be inclusive and applicable across jurisdictions. He called for the development of an "AI Rights Bill," similar to data protection laws, to ensure global understanding and implementation of AI principles.

Lagos State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, also spoke at the conference, emphasizing the role of education, research, and development in enhancing tech penetration in Africa. He outlined Lagos State’s efforts to support tech startups, focusing on early-stage funding and research initiatives.

The event underscored the need for global collaboration to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies that can benefit society as a whole.