W’Bank urges ethical AI to curb misinformation

The World Bank has called for stronger safeguards to ensure artificial intelligence is used ethically and inclusively, warning that unchecked AI could reinforce biases and spread misinformation, particularly in vulnerable economies.

Global Director for Digital Transformation at the World Bank Group, Christine Zhenwei Qiang, made this assertion in a podcast shared on the organisation’s X (formerly Twitter) platform on Sunday.

She underscored the transformative potential of AI in emerging and developing economies but stressed the importance of guardrails to ensure fairness and accuracy in its applications.

“The first big concern is about misinformation and deepfakes. The quality of data fed into AI systems is crucial because AI models rely on this data to learn and make predictions. Poor-quality data can lead to distorted and incorrect outcomes,” Qiang said.

She highlighted that algorithmic biases remain a major challenge, as AI models often learn from historical data that may reflect societal prejudices.

“If we are using AI models for recruitment, for instance, we need to make sure that the data used is diverse and covers all demographic groups. In addition, we should implement measures for algorithmic transparency, conduct regular reviews, and audit AI systems to identify and correct biases,” she added.

Beyond bias, Qiang also pointed to AI’s heavy reliance on data, which raises concerns over privacy breaches. “Establishing robust data governance frameworks that prioritise user consent and data security is essential,” she said.

Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed AI’s potential to drive economic development, citing its role in improving education, boosting agricultural productivity, and creating job opportunities.

She referenced a discussion with Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who noted that AI-enabled apps are making farming jobs more attractive to young Nigerians.

Qiang also addressed concerns about AI’s impact on employment, particularly in Africa and South Asia, where there is a pressing need to create jobs for the youth.

While acknowledging that AI can augment workers in some tasks and replace them in others, she noted that historically, technological advancements have led to the creation of new, better-paying occupations.

“More than 60 per cent of employment in the U.S. in 2018 consisted of job titles that didn’t exist in 1940. In Latin America, half of the 20 fastest-growing skills are linked directly to new technologies. And in India, demand for AI-related skills has been growing exponentially since 2016,” she said.

These trends, she explained, suggest that while AI may displace some roles, it also has the potential to generate more interesting and better-paid jobs.

She urged governments to prioritise workforce development by investing in upskilling and reskilling programmes to prepare workers for emerging job opportunities.

“The future of AI in emerging markets is promising, but we must ensure its use is ethical, equitable, and inclusive,” Qiang stated.