Background
The roll-out of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling organisations to process more real-world data in real time. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, including generative AI (GenAI), supports data analysis on a significant scale and in an autonomous way, resulting in faster decision-making and the design of effective new solutions for economies and society at large. In the telecoms industry, AI and advanced data analytics are used, among other things, to optimise and automate networks, avoid service outages, reduce power consumption and CO2 emissions, increase security and prevent fraud.
Mobile operators also provide AI capabilities to third parties on a commercial basis, such as delivering AI as a platform capability or employing AI to process mobile network data analytics for governments, traffic planning authorities, energy providers and other commercial organisations.
Recent and rapid advances in AI are also presenting challenges which, if not properly addressed, can exacerbate issues such as breaches of privacy, the spread of misinformation and disinformation and security risks. Some international bodies have worked to create a framework for AI development, including UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and the EU’s AI Act which aims to address the risks generated by specific uses of AI.
The mobile industry has developed the AI Ethics Playbook and a related self- assessment questionnaire, both of which are practical tools to help organisations consider how to ethically design, develop and deploy AI systems. The playbook explains how AI systems should be responsibly designed, developed and deployed in accordance with the principles of fairness, human agency and oversight, privacy and security, safety and robustness, transparency and explainability and accountability, and with full consideration of the potential environmental impact.
Debate
How can the mobile industry and legislators help society realise the benefits of AI in a responsible way that protects privacy and complies with applicable laws?
How can the mobile industry help increase trust in AI among its stakeholders and society at large?
Are new laws and regulations required for AI?
Industry position
As the adoption of AI accelerates, it is vital that systems are designed, developed and deployed responsibly while upholding an individual’s right to privacy and protecting personal data. Governments and regulators can help create a flourishing environment by ensuring that laws and regulations are not onerous, and that they support innovation, provide certainty and build trust.
As providers of mobile infrastructure, mobile operators encourage governments to consider the implications of legislation for the industry, including the potential impact on technology uptake and future economic efficiency gains through the use of AI systems. A risk-based approach should be taken when developing AI laws and regulations to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place while promoting innovation and competition. Ideally, these should be standardised and applied internationally and consistently to enable AI solutions to benefit from economies of scale.
Governments should facilitate and fund further research and development and investment in AI and mobile data-related solutions in both the public and private sectors. To foster an environment that attracts AI talent, it is important that governments invest in capacity building to ensure policymakers and regulators are guided by best practice and in digital skills to help citizens and industry keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technology.
The mobile industry recognises the potential societal benefits of AI and seeks to unlock its potential in a way that respects well- established privacy-by-design principles. Mobile operators are committed to the responsible use of AI in their operations, customer interactions and external products and services to protect customers and employees and ensure that AI operates fairly and reliably.
Resources
The Mobile Industry and AI, GSMA, February 2023
The AI Ethics Playbook: Implementing Ethical Principles into Everyday Business, GSMA, February 2022
Mobile Privacy and Big Data Analytics, GSMA, February 2017
Privacy Design Guidelines for Mobile Application Development, GSMA, February 2012 Data-Driven Innovation: Big Data for Growth and Well-Being, OECD, October 2015