By Oluwatope Lawanson
The General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr Afolabi Solebo, has emphasised the need for responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to advance consumers’ rights globally.
Solebo said this at a press briefing on plans to mark this year’s World Consumer Rights Day Celebration with the theme: “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers”.
The LASCOPA boss said that this year’s event would be marked as a conference at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15.
The annual event is used to draw attention to the plight of consumers world over, with a view to ensuring that their rights are not only protected but also promoted.
He noted that the theme for this year was timely and reflected the changing landscape of consumer behavior in the increasingly technology-driven world.a
Solebo stressed the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and deployment.
He said it was part of the process of realising the dream of fostering an ecosystem that empowered consumers to make informed choices and assert their rights with confidence.
Solebo noted that it was imperative for human beings all over the world to take the promotion of consumer rights as a collective responsibility.
“It is, however, important that as we navigate the complexities of the new digital era, characterised by advancement in AI and automation, we must endeavor not to lose focus.
“We must uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in consumer interactions.
“While AI presents boundless opportunities for innovation and efficiency, it also introduces unique challenges that demand our unwavering attention and proactive intervention.
“It is therefore, incumbent upon us all to champion the cause of fair and responsible AI, ensuring that its deployment aligns with the interest of consumers and society as a whole,” he said.
Highlighting the role that consumer rights and protection plays, the LASCOPA boss also stated the need to ensure that consumers are protected.
According to him, making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, can only happen with a collective responsibility of every consumer, manufacturers, stakeholders and indeed the government in line with the THEMES agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Similarly, Mrs Aderemi Fagbemi, the agency’s Lead Consultant and Legal Unit Head, shed more light on the one-day conference in commemoration of the World Consumer Rights Day.
She said it would be an opportunity to bring together consumers, manufacturers and other stakeholders so as to get to know their concerns.
“At the conference, we get to sensitise the consumers on artificial intelligence in stakeholders value chain.
“Also, there is going to be an interface between the consumers and other stakeholders,” she said. NAN
