LEGAL PERSPECTIVE: Legalization of artificial intelligence (AI) by Dr AbdelGadir Warsama, Legal Counsel

Dr AbdelGadir Warsama, Legal Counsel

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ultimate end result of the IT revolution which have started towards the end of last century. We have benefited from this revolution in many sectors and more e-inventions are yet to come. IT revolution, opened new routes enabling technology to grow and expand. The result of such expansion is the birth of the fourth (4th) industrial revolution”, which is based on Artificial Intelligence techniques.

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The emergence of Artificial Intelligence, plays a great role in new technological inventions structured and totally engineered to enable machines to undertake many tasks in line or in replacement of human beings. Therefore, need arises for certain regulations to cater for new human resources strategies. Many NGOs and entities including (ILO), have raised many concerns regarding the “machine” or the new job masters and their strong competitive privilege(s).

There are many examples of such e-machines with their engineered artificial intelligence, such as robots. Certain robots, are used in some instances to help in medical surgeries. Other robots, working as a counter staff in banks or service companies, solely or to perform instructions given by clients. Some are utilized in dangerous duties including detection of mines or other hidden metals or poisonous liquids. What alerts, is the role of robots particularly in medical surgeries. Irrespective of such role, any mistake is irreparable and could happen. If, robots are mistaken in cars industry, for example, on discovery of any mistake the edition cars will be called back at the cost of the company. However, if there is a robot mistake in a surgery, we can’t call the deceased person from the grave. Yes, mission accomplished irrespective of the result.

Due to occurrence of such instances, there is strong genuine need for special laws to govern this work and to streamline such e-duties with the aim of boosting technology and preserving human lives at the same time. The technology has gone remarkably to employ robots, such efforts are fully welcomed and respected, however, necessary legislations are required to regulate and legalize such new medical employees and medical e-tasks.

Another example, of active e-machinery, we find in drones (or e-cars). They are used to achieve many normal and sensitive duties in replacement for human beings. Drones, are used to deliver risky and non-risky items, for photography, videos and other missions. However, drones may detour and go to a different place or while going to the designated area they may trespass over others personal property without consent or even knowledge. Such instances are examples of clear breach of law. The role of drones, is of interest due to fast services and for other private reasons. However, irrespective of this importance, there is genuine need for certain legislations to preserve the interests and safety of all stakeholders. There is urgent need for regulation and full compliance and this will give drones more creditability and thus will be of more useful help.

A very big remarkable jump in human beings history took place due to the 3rd   industrial revolution.  We have extensively benefited from machines, moreover, we have had the ability to control and utilize them for humans needs. The following consequent 4th industrial revolution, as mentioned, will totally rely on machines and give them the necessary artificial intelligence to be able to do some work. Earlier we used to control machines, now, it appears that time has come for machines to control humans or to work by themselves apart from human’s hands, muscles or minds. Here comes the risk, from the fact that machines are deaf, ductless and lack senses and due to this they could be very dangerous or incapable or impotent to react in certain instances. To conclude, we are in real need for all IT products and inventions including (AI), for an advanced future. E-development is the new spirit that we need in this IT era. However, to achieve better, secure, save and sustainable results, there is strong imminent need to promulgate necessary advanced legislations. The legislations are not to handicap (AI) or other e-development nor to curb or distract new inventions, rather, it should open the way and prepare the legal infrastructure for e-development to grow, blossom and breed all products for the benefit of humans. This could happen by collaboration between legislators and end users.