PhilDec 2.0: Experts Discuss Digital Rights and Democracy, Advocate for AI Use and Literacy
The digital landscape has evolved significantly since 2015, both technologically and politically. Alan Alegre, the executive director of the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), emphasized the need for an updated Philippine Declaration of Internet Rights and Principles (PhilDec 2.0) to address the challenges posed by the changing digital economy.
At the Digital Rights Conference held at Ateneo de Manila University, experts delved into the impact of digital advancements on Philippine democracy and rights. Key points discussed included artificial intelligence (AI), human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and the post-pandemic digital ecosystems.
A 14-page draft of PhilDec 2.0 was presented, outlining new principles to tackle issues such as disinformation, sustainable internet use, power imbalances, e-health systems, and challenges brought about by AI. The updated declaration also emphasized open access to academic content, combating gender-based violence online, and promoting human capital development through digital literacy and AI education.
The discussion on AI literacy highlighted the need for addressing educational challenges, especially exacerbated by online learning and disparities in internet access. While the Philippines struggles in international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), it is crucial to prioritize digital literacy and education at all levels to build capacity effectively.
Dominic Ligot, founder of CirroLytix and Data Ethics PH, emphasized the importance of making AI accessible to everyone and using it for good. He underscored the necessity of considering ethics, fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI development and deployment. A human-centered approach was deemed essential to mitigate AI-related risks across economic, political, social, and environmental spheres.
Despite acknowledging the potential perils of AI, experts like Alan Alegre advocated for its adoption with stricter guidelines to ensure a human-centered approach. Emmanuel Lallana, chief executive of IdeaCorp Inc., cautioned against anthropomorphism in AI development, emphasizing the need to understand technology’s models and algorithms thoroughly.
As discussions around digital rights, democracy, and AI literacy continue, the call for a balanced and ethical approach remains paramount. By navigating the evolving digital landscape strategically and collaboratively, stakeholders can pave the way for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable digital future.
