Geneva:Dr. Ali bin Majed Al Noaimi, a member of the Council of Representatives, participated in a session titled "Human rights in the age of artificial intelligence The role of parliaments" at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Parliamentary Conference on Human Rights in Geneva. The conference focused on "Protecting human rights in an age of disruption - The responsibility of parliaments."
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Noaimi discussed the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights, emphasizing the legislative and oversight roles of parliaments in adapting to digital transformation. He highlighted AI's potential to enhance services, expand knowledge access, and improve efficiency, while also noting concerns regarding privacy, equality, transparency, and accountability.
Dr. Al Noaimi detailed Bahrain's legal framework for digital regulation and data protection, citing Law No. (60) of 2014 on information technology crimes and Law No. (30) of 2018 on Personal Data Protection. These laws have been pivotal in regulating cybercrime and safeguarding personal data processing.
He pointed out that AI-related challenges like algorithmic bias and accountability for automated decisions necessitate ongoing legislative development. Dr. Al Noaimi stressed the importance of specific legal safeguards to address AI risks and their impact on individual rights, beyond general legal provisions.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Noaimi emphasized the need for legislative development combined with parliamentary oversight of AI in public policy and services. He advocated for clear transparency and accountability standards and effective appeal mechanisms when AI outcomes affect individual rights or significant interests.
He also underscored the value of sharing legislative expertise among parliaments to keep pace with technological advancements and create balanced approaches that foster innovation while mitigating risks.
Dr. Al Noaimi concluded by stating that the challenge is to ensure that technological progress and human rights protection advance together. He asserted that AI should broaden opportunities without infringing on individual rights and enhance institutional efficiency while maintaining accountability. He reiterated that parliaments must ensure legislation keeps up with technological developments, with human rights as the guiding standard for AI use and its limitations.