The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has underscored the imperative of responsibly harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to safeguard consumer rights and foster trust within the dynamic telecoms landscape.
During the commemoration of the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day on March 15th, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in upholding consumer trust amidst the evolving telecoms market complexity.
Addressing stakeholders in Abuja, Dr. Maida, represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner Designate Technical Services at NCC, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to championing consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Dr. Maida articulated that consumers constitute the bedrock of any business, necessitating their unwavering protection. Over the years, the NCC has endeavored to elevate consumer rights awareness, continuously evolving to address emerging challenges and augmenting existing consumer rights with new provisions. These rights encompass crucial aspects such as privacy, service quality, redress mechanisms, fair billing practices, and transparent complaint processes.
The advent of AI heralds unprecedented advancements across various sectors, revolutionizing how we interact with technology. From voice-activated assistants to personalised content recommendations, AI permeates myriad facets of daily life.
However, with great technological prowess comes commensurate ethical responsibilities. Dr. Maida accentuated the need for conscientious AI development, deployment, and usage, urging stakeholders to grapple with ethical quandaries such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency, and accountability.
Responsible AI entails meticulous adherence to ethical principles throughout the AI lifecycle. Transparency emerges as a cornerstone, necessitating AI developers to elucidate the data, algorithms, and models underpinning AI systems. Transparent AI engenders trust and facilitates equitable treatment, mitigating biases and promoting inclusivity.
Moreover, Dr. Maida stressed the paramountcy of safeguarding citizens’ privacy in the AI era. Organizations deploying AI must uphold stringent data privacy regulations, ensuring that personal data is handled responsibly and ethically. Respect for privacy not only engenders consumer trust but also underscores a commitment to ethical AI practices.
Furthermore, the NCC remains steadfast in its consumer-centric initiatives, proactively addressing first-level complaints through channels such as the Consumer Complaints Management (CCM) platform, toll-free helpline (622), Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service (2442), Consumer Portal, and dedicated social media accounts.
Clem Omife, Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs at NCC, emphasised the Commission’s unwavering dedication to promoting consumer rights and enhancing consumer education through diverse outreach programs.
In conclusion, the responsible deployment of AI holds immense promise for enhancing consumer experiences and driving socio-economic progress. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and consumer-centricity, stakeholders can harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding consumer rights and fostering trust in the digital age.
