Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) must benefit humanity if they are to be of any long-term, practical use. With the proliferation of deepfakes, particularly of politicians and celebrities, it is well documented how AI can be abused. But that should not prevent us from harnessing the power of this technology as a force for good.
In healthcare, AI has already been revolutionary by helping doctors to make more accurate diagnoses and to develop more personalised treatment plans. AI-powered tools are being used to identify early signs of disease and to monitor patients’ health status, enabling doctors to intervene before the condition becomes critical. It is also addressing environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.
A seminal report by Unesco says AI can provide millions of students with support to complete secondary education, fill an additional 3.3-million jobs and, more urgently, help us tackle the spread and aftermath of the pandemic. However, along with multiple advantages, these technologies also generate downside risks and challenges, derived from malicious use or deepening inequalities and divides.
This raises the question, will heightened use of AI signal the end of the creative power and job-earning capability of humans? What about artists and celebrities? According to Time magazine, many musicians feel that the onset of AI won’t end human art but will spur a new golden era of creativity.
Over the past several years, a number of prominent artists, such as Arca, Holly Herndon and Toro y Moi, have worked with AI to push their music in new and unexpected directions. Meanwhile, other musicians and researchers across the world are developing tools to make AI more accessible to artists everywhere. AI music has also become an answer to a simple demand: more music is needed than ever, thanks to a ballooning number of content creators on streaming and social media platforms.
There are, of course, important legal and ethical questions that must be resolved as the use cases for AI begin to proliferate. The 2021 Unesco recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence provide an important framework for the responsible use of this technology. They emphasise the need for transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights when developing and deploying AI.
At MTN SA, we believe it can be used as a force for good to help overcome one of society’s biggest modern ills: stress and depression.
Harnessing AI as a force for good is exactly what has driven our support of the Riky Rick Foundation’s new project, a track entitled Stronger. With permission from Riky’s wife, Bianca, and family, the new song uses AI to recreate Riky’s voice, style and flow, drawing words and inspiration from the beautiful and uplifting messages the late rapper was posting to social media before his untimely death. The song was produced by Riky’s long-time collaborators Ganja Beatz, Audio Militia and Lebo Machudi.
The intention is to use his messages and voice to help raise greater awareness and understanding of mental health challenges.
All funds raised from the release of the track will go to the Ricky Rick Foundation, which was set up to support young people in SA and across the continent. The foundation will use the proceeds to support NGOs working to make a difference in the lives of those battling with depression or mental distress.
While there is a discussion to be had about the responsible use of AI, which, like any powerful tool can be used in ethical and unethical ways, it is not a technology to be feared but rather one to be embraced and used for good.
The key is to ensure that the use of AI is done responsibly and ethically, and that the benefits are always balanced against the potential risks — including the risks to privacy, security and fairness. The guidelines set out by organisations such as Unesco are a good starting point.
Ultimately, like all technologies that have been deployed and now form part of our daily lives — be it mobile phones, SMS or social networks — AI is just a tool. It’s up to us, as people and corporate citizens, to ensure that this tool is not abused but used for greater societal good.
• Molapisi is CEO of MTN SA
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