Pakistan falls behind in AI preparedness, yet excels in the production of 'low-quality' content
Pakistan is addressing criticism of its national AI policy by prioritizing the enhancement of AI education and vocational training, recognizing the need for stronger legal frameworks and regulation, and seeking international cooperation and investment to build AI capacity.
Recently, Data Darbar, an NGO focused on Pakistan's tech industry, criticized the policy for its lack of comprehensive and systematic applications for AI. Co-founder Natasha Uderani suggested that Pakistan needs to establish a better national strategy, invest more in AI-focused education, and create more vocational programs to upskill the workforce.
Efforts to improve AI-focused education include upskilling content creators and entrepreneurs who are learning to use AI tools ethically and innovatively, as seen with figures like Abrar ul-Hassan of Morango Films. Ul-Hassan is transforming his production house by learning AI skills to create authentic and high-value content.
However, Pakistan still faces challenges with AI regulation. The lack of up-to-date national regulations has led to the creation of AI "slop," low-quality visual content that is increasingly appearing on social media platforms. The Digital Rights Foundation has warned about the dangers of unregulated AI tools contributing to misinformation and societal polarization.
One example of this is the case of a YouTube channel named Pak Gov Update, which began uploading deceptive content just weeks ago, including a 30-minute video featuring US rapper Jay-Z. The channel, which has been criticized for misleading viewers with its official-sounding name, is part of a network of YouTube channels that frequently publish content on pension schemes, use generative AI for visuals, and adopt names that misleadingly suggest affiliation with the Pakistani government.
On the regulatory front, Pakistan lacks enforceable data protection laws and independent oversight mechanisms crucial for ethical AI governance. This regulatory weakness extends to national security concerns, where AI labs have been flagged by external organizations for potential misuse in cyber operations and terrorism-linked surveillance.
In response, there are calls for increased initial funding to boost AI deployment and attract foreign investment, alongside developing infrastructure and human capital in AI. Pakistani AI experts propose leveraging the country’s potential to export tailored AI solutions to similar low-income countries.
Yasar Ayaz, chairman of Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence, suggests that an initial investment in AI technology could make Pakistan more attractive to foreign investors. Ayaz notes that Pakistan is making strides in AI deployment, and several products and solutions can be exported to other low-income countries.
However, critics argue that the immediate impact of YouTube's policies on demonetizing channels farming AI-generated clickbait content in Pakistan will be slow, if at all. The publishing of AI slop has brought into question YouTube's own policies by encouraging a "growing ecosystem of deceptive, monetized content."
In summary, Pakistan is responding to criticism of its AI policy by prioritizing the enhancement of AI education and vocational training, recognizing the need for stronger legal frameworks and regulation, and seeking international cooperation and investment to build AI capacity. Nonetheless, significant gaps in policy application, regulation, and ethical oversight remain and are actively highlighted by civil society and international observers.
- The government in Pakistan is recognizing the need for a better national strategy in AI, as suggested by Data Darbar, and is planning to invest more in AI-focused education and create more vocational programs.
- Abrar ul-Hassan, a content creator in Pakistan, is learning AI skills to create authentic and high-value content, showcasing the potential of upskilling the workforce in AI.
- The Digital Rights Foundation has cautioned about the dangers of unregulated AI tools contributing to misinformation and societal polarization, such as the case with the deceptive YouTube channel Pak Gov Update.
- Pakistan's lack of enforceable data protection laws and independent oversight mechanisms is hindering ethical AI governance, potentially leading to misuse in cyber operations and terrorism-linked surveillance.
- Yasar Ayaz, chairman of Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence, proposes initial investment in AI technology to attract foreign investors and leverage Pakistan's potential to export tailored AI solutions to other low-income countries.
