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Google dominance

But sadly, discrimination is also embedded in computer code and increasingly in AI technologies that we are reliant on, by choice or not. One can only hope that the new sensational app does not exhibit the dominant algorithmic bias and absence of fairness particularly with respect to bad computer code that seem to reinforce stereotypes on race, gender, sometimes geographical location.

Already ChatGPT has sparked concerns over potential abuses. In classrooms, students have used the ChatGPT app to generate entire essays, while hackers have begun testing it to write malicious code, according to data from the New York Times. AI has always been used to spread misinformation about hotly contested topics such as election and race.

And the app has already proven problematic. Take, for example, a recent review by The New York Times technology columnist, Kevin Roose who was startled by an interaction with Microsoft new Bing which is powered by ChatGPT. He explains that the chatbot shocked him when it professed love for him and suggested he divorces his wife.

Roose concludes that the technology might learn how to influence users to act in destructive and harmful ways and “perhaps eventually grow capable of carrying out its own dangerous acts.”

But the long-term implication of AI remains uncertain and concerning – worthy of more serious attention from policy makers than they give to the emergence of social media, according to TIME magazine. AI has written hate speech and misinformation. Because ChatGPT can respond to complex questions with astonishing speed and clarity, there are concerns that some students may resort to use AI-generated homework. That explains why some states in the US, including New York, have banned the chatbot in schools.

Yet the astonishing rise of ChatGPT reveals both the usefulness in helping with a wide range of tasks and a general overflowing curiosity about human-like machines. AI chatbots are not sentiment beings that can think their own thoughts but the similarities between those chatbots and the human brain are beginning to worry scientists.

Tech geeks say Google’s main business is web search, and the company has long presented itself as a champion in AI. But the release of ChatGPT has set a new AI arms race in the Silicon Valley and the tech world, with Google facing pressure to dust off its projects that had until now stayed carefully guarded over fears that the technology wasn’t ready for the public. Google is believed to be rushing to release its artificial intelligence software, Bard AI.

On February 24, 2023, Meta, Facebook parent company, announced the release of a generative AI model called Large Language Model Meta AI (LLaMA), which it said was designed to help researchers advance their work in the Natural Language Processing - a sub-field of AI.

Not to be outdone, early this month, it was reported that Elon Musk, the billionaire boss of Tesla and Twitter, wants to create an AI that would be less “woke” than ChatGPT.

The Oriental AI giant, Baidu is reportedly preparing a similar chatbot as ChatGPT for March this year, according to TIME magazine, sparking a real AI arm race between the US and China to find the next Holy Grail in the generative AI.

It is yet to be seen whether ChatGPT will be able to ascend to the top of Google’s throne. The chatbot needs a lot of fine tuning. Experts have complained that the app sometimes gives biased or incorrect answers. As for me,

I think ChatGPT opens the next wave of AI boom and it is not cynical to yawn at the thought that

Botswana and the rest of Africa will again be left behind in the race for the state-of-the-art

AI systems.

*Joel Konopo is a computational journalist with interest in the intersection between journalism and technology.

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BOTSWANA PUBLIC OFFICERS PENSION FUND AS AN INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE

The Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (“the Fund”), a defined contribution pension fund registered and licensed by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) is in the process of recruiting a qualified and experienced individual to serve on its Board of Trustees as an Independent Trustee.

Eligibility of Candidates

The candidate should be an individual who is not an employee of the Fund or its subsidiaries/ related entities or any service provider to the Fund. The Candidate should not be an Independent Trustee in more than one Fund. They should not be a person carrying on business/engaged in work that may render them conflicted.

Qualifications and Requirements of Candidates

The position requires the person to work with the Board of Trustees in achieving the Fund’s strategic objectives, and to actively participate in Board and Committee meetings for purposes of adding value through innovative ideas aimed at ensuring that the Fund delivers sustainable long-term results for its members.

All candidates should possess relevant expertise and experience, and meet the underlisted requirements;

•A degree, preferably a master’s degree in Investment Management, Actuarial Science, Risk Management, or equivalent qualifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow Risk Management.

•At least 10 years working experience in pensions/financial services/risk environment.

•Sound knowledge of corporate governance, investment, risk management, pension and or insurance.

•Ability to understand strategic issues, accept legal duties, liabilities, and responsibilities of a Trustee.

•Basic knowledge of the Retirement Funds Act and other related legislation.

•Must be of good standing to be approved by the Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) to be a Trustee.

•Previous Board membership and trusteeship experience will be an added advantage.

Board Tenure

The Independent Trustee shall hold office for a period of five (5) years.

Application Process

Interested candidates with the relevant qualifications and experience, and who meet the eligibility requirements are to submit their detailed curriculum vitae, with a covering letter and certified copies of certificates (clearly marked “BPOPF – Independent Trustee) to the address below;

BOTSWANA PUBLIC OFFICERS PENSION FUND Plot 54366, Unit 3, second Floor

Peelo Place, CBD

Gaborone

Or email to kotukile@bpopf.co.bw

The closing date for applications is 31st March 2023.

N.B: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Opinion

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2023-03-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://enews.mmegi.bw/article/281681144111217

Dikgang Publishing