Staff Writer
Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director General Dr Gift Machengete has warned that digital innovation has not only brought about positives but some serious negatives, some of which have affected the moral fibre as humanity.
In his remarks at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2024 in Madziva, Dr Machengete said he was shocked to learn that in China, women were now preferring to date AI boyfriends over real humans as these do not cheat, always available, romantic and know exactly what to say to cheer the ladies up.
“AI has also been abused in education, where students are overly relying on applications such as Chat GPT for their assignments and research projects.
“This creates fake graduates leading to increased cases of malpractice in fields like health care,” Dr Machengete said.
However, he said the Authority was working closely with the Ministry of ICT to come up with a relevant framework for the regulation of AI in the country. Preliminary work towards this has already begun with research on AI adoption and use in Zimbabwe having been undertaken by the Authority in the interest of evidence-based regulation.
He highlighted that, while some communities have experienced the benefits of digital innovation, others remain excluded due to barriers related to connectivity, affordability, and literacy.
“It is imperative that we work together to bridge this divide and ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a digitally inclusive and sustainable future,” he said.
He said the establishment of Community Information Centres (CICs) and computer laboratories had brought digital transformation to our doorstep, providing access to digital resources, training programs, and connectivity.
The centres serve not only as hubs of information and knowledge but also as catalysts for economic growth and community empowerment.
He said by equipping individuals with digital skills and access to information, it enable them to participate fully in the digital economy and seize the opportunities it offers.
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