NITDA Drafts Nigeria Code of Practice for AI Including ChatGPT

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of Nigeria has begun drafting a code of practice for artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT. The agency’s spokesperson, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, stated that Nigeria has a policy for AI but lacks a necessary code of practice. She believes that responsible and ethical deployment of AI technology is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with it. The draft policies will address issues such as transparency, data privacy, bias, accountability, and fake news. Several tech companies have rolled out chatbots in the wake of ChatGPT, which prompted Italy to temporarily ban the chatbot in March over potential violations of the EU Data Protection Regulation. EU lawmakers recently agreed on tougher draft legislation to regulate AI tools like ChatGPT. As AI technology becomes more integrated into products, governments worldwide must create effective regulations to balance innovation with public safety. The NITDA seeks to prevent the spread of misinformation, abuse, and ethical issues associated with AI tools through its codes and policies. It mandates collaboration between policymakers and AI developers. The positive step taken by the EU in regulating AI showcases the union’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental human rights.