Embrace AI: MPs told
Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda has urged legislators to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in parliamentary processes and to make sure that it is used to supplement human capabilities rather than replace them.
He was addressing the 2nd World Summit of Committees of the Future 2023 in Uruguay, South America last week.
“As the use of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary processes becomes increasingly prevalent, it is necessary to establish ethical and operational guidelines that ensure accountability, transparency and human autonomy, while promoting sustainable development goals and protecting privacy, security and diversity,” he said.
“While AI has made significant advancements in recent years, it has raised questions about its potential to replace human beings parliamentarians.”
Mudenda said AI could can help explore complex legislative issues, while identifying trend and using historical data to make predictions.
“This speed allows for faster decision-making in expediting parliamentary processes. However, human being parliamentarians bring experience, knowledge and the ability to consider ethical and moral aspects that AI may struggle with. He was quick to add that AI should not mean the end of human autonomy.
“They also provide a diverse range of perspectives and values, fostering debate and ensuring multiple viewpoints are considered.
“Regarding these Parliamentary processes, the complex relationship between AI and human autonomy needs to be taken into account.”
According to Mudenda, human being parliamentarians have empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with constituencies on a personal level and that these characteristics enabled them to understand the needs and concerns of the people they represent.
