Mariam Jaafar on building an inclusive and safe digital society

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), Singapore’s response to the associated risks cannot be fear and paralysis, but rather to equip itself with the knowledge, strategies and tools to navigate those risks, including using AI itself to create new safeguards and build trust. MP Mariam Jaafar said this in Parliament on Wednesday (Jan 10). She said trust is the basis for any digital society to interact and transact online, drive innovation and adoption, and uplift the country’s economic and social potential. She put forward five suggestions. First, increase safeguards and hold social media services accountable for the proliferation of harmful content, scams and malicious acts, including AI-generated content. Ms Mariam asked if Singapore plans to introduce any AI-focused protective measures in the near future, highlighting deepfakes as a particular concern. Second, educate and empower people, especially the young and old, on digital literacy. This includes equipping children with high AI literacy from a young age. Third, for the Government to lead the way by developing AI at scale through high-value use cases in public services and advancing research into online trust and safety. Fourth, that the Government should take the lead in adopting responsible AI across the digital economy. And lastly, for Singapore to increase international cooperation on online safety, including AI governance and safety.