Regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) should be on the radar of African countries following the recent attempt to impersonate the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU).
Development Dairies reports that the African Union Commission became the victim of cybercrime after fraudsters deployed AI to impersonate Moussa Faki.
The AU, in a statement, confirmed what it termed an attempt at ‘phishing emails targeting foreign capitals’, adding that several foreign capitals had fallen victim to fake email addresses purporting to be official emails from the deputy chief of staff on behalf of Faki, requesting phone calls.
In a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), the spokesperson for the AU chairperson, Ebba Kalondo, said, ‘Pranksters made deepfake videocalls pretending to be Chairperson, Moussa Faki, to several European capitals’.
Although Kalondo did reiterate the AU’s strict adherence to diplomatic protocol and exclusive usage of note verbale for high-level engagement requests, the incident highlights the possibility of cyber-attacks through advanced technology on governments across Africa.
Deepfake involves using artificial intelligence tools to develop images, voices, and traits into videos that impersonate individuals. This technology is widely used by criminals and is increasingly becoming popular and often used to spread misinformation and propaganda.
There are concerns that Africa has yet to develop a regulatory framework for the use of the technology, even as over 2,400 AI organisations operate across various industries on the continent.
In 2021, Egypt launched its national AI strategy to deepen the use of AI technologies and transform the economy, while neighbouring Tunisia has created an AI-focused industry association.
As for Kenya, it has an AI task force that is creating guidance on how AI technologies can be used to further the country’s development. In 2021, Rwanda established a technology centre of excellence focused on digitisation.
Although Nigeria currently does not have a national policy on AI, the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030 resulted in the creation of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
The continent, like Europe, must develop a bold and inclusive approach to multistakeholder regulation to effectively regulate the general-purpose of AI.
Source: Blogtrepreneur
