The path toward global digital governance must be free, open, secure, unfragmented, and inclusive.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has said that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) must be able to support democracy in the modern world.

“Both democracy and digital technology are transformative: both have changed the way we make important decisions, especially (in the) effort to enhance inclusivity,” she said at the Third Summit for Democracy, themed “AI/Digital Technology and Democracy,” in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday.

To ensure the achievement of the goal, a democratic global digital governance must be promoted, she added.

According to the minister, transformative technologies, such as AI, must be navigated by and for the interest of many people.

“The path toward global digital governance must be free, open, secure, unfragmented, and inclusive. Indonesia has introduced regulation on AI ethics, both at the national level as well as within ASEAN level,” she noted.

The minister highlighted the importance of closing the global digital divide and treating AI as a global public good.

“There is no one size fits all. While upholding human rights, countries must also be able to get easy, fair, and equitable digital access,” she said.

She emphasized that the voice of developing countries must become an essential part of the global digital development series.

“Indonesia actively takes part in Global Digital Compact negotiation and other avenues in the UN and international forums,” she said.

Furthermore, Marsudi reminded that AI can be a double-edged sword. While it can be used as a tool for democracy, it can also be used for manipulation and to spread disinformation, she explained.

“Therefore, we must join hands to nurture digital literacy, as well as innovation against fake-manipulated news, and misuses of AI, including in countering cyberattacks,” she said.

Before concluding her statement, she stressed that the connection between democracy and technology should only be a force for good.

“And it is our job together to ensure this goal,” she said.

Related news: Adaptive, innovative mindset vital to respond to AI development: Gov't
Related news: Kominfo pushes for comprehensive AI regulation

Translator: Yashinta Difa, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024