Lagos Marks World Consumer Rights Day, Harps On Responsible AI Usage
By Luqmon Balogun, Lagos
Lagos State Government has warned that the advent of Artificial Intelligence in online and digital market must not be at the expense of the citizens’ rights and well-being.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem gave this indication while speaking at a Conference and Exhibition organised by Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA, to commemorate 2024 World Consumer Rights Day.
Medebem said that it is important to be aware of the manners of conducting business and transaction through technology advancement and maintain a balanced approach that champions fairness, transparency, and responsibility.
The Commissioner who reiterated the commitment of the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that AI serves as a tool for societal goods and enhance consumer experiences, assured the participants that the State Government will continue to create an environment where technology thrives, consumers right are well protected, while upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics.
She said “The Conference with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers” advocates innovation and consumer rights while ensuring that the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and technology at large served to enhance the lives of citizens, not complicate them. All hands must be on deck to ensure that consumers rights and well-being are not sacrificed for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence.”
Responsible AI
The General Manager of LASCOPA, Mr Afolabi Solebo corroborated the need for responsible AI in business transactions, stressing that organisations must prioritise ethical considerations in ensuring that AI benefits the society as a whole.
Solebo said that consumers deserve to know how their data is being used and have the right to understand the decisions made by AI systems.
He said “The importance of Artificial Intelligence AI cannot be overstated as it has revolutionised the way businesses engage with their clientele. Consumers are surrounded by AI-driven technologies, from personalized recommendations to automated decision-making processes. In the rapidly advancing landscape of technology, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we will be addressing the importance of fair and responsible AI for all consumers.”
Consumers as Kings
In her goodwill message, the Group Executive Director of Dangote Group of Companies in charge of Commercial Operations, Mrs Fatima Aliko-Dangote, said that every organisation must see consumers as kings and treat them as such.
She mentioned that the rights of consumers to choose from a variety of valuable, safe and non-hazardous products; right to information and education adequate for taking consumption decisions, and right to seek redress and be heard should not be undermined.
Fatima Aliko-Dangote, however, called for collective actions from government in the area of regulatory framework and other relevant stakeholders to address some challenges that comes work the deployment of artificial intelligence.
As part of the event, two different panel sessions were held where experts in consumer affairs explored different topics of interest as it affects consumers, producers and all relevant stakeholders in the value chain.
