Can we regulate artificial intelligence

In December 2023, I came across two interesting articles that made me think about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future – the first is about Pope Francis’ call for the global regulation of AI. Second is House Bill (HB) No. 9448, which aims to regulate the use of AI in the labor industry.

In his message last December 16, Pope Francis called for a global treaty to control the use of AI as it poses a significant threat at the individual and national levels. At the individual level, he said that AI can be used in determining job hiring, among others, and that this “technology can lead to more automation of labor jobs.” At the National Level, he was already pertaining to AI-controlled weapons systems, which is a “cause for grave ethical concern” as it can create conflict and disrupt peace, according to the pontiff. Despite his call for AI regulation, the Pope is not all against it. He recognizes the good opportunities we can benefit from, such as improving people’s quality of life.

In the Philippines, one of the country’s legislators, Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, filled HB No. 9448 to protect workers against AI and automation. Specifically, the House Bill prohibits (1) the use of AI or automated systems as the employer’s “sole or primary basis in hiring and termination of employees” and (2) “to replace human workers resulting in displacement, loss of security of tenure, diminution of existing salaries or benefits or unemployment.”

As a Catholic who values peace and someone who has devotedly immersed in labor law studies, I resonate with the call of the Holy Father and the initiative undertaken by Rep. Atayde to regulate artificial intelligence. However, the critical question is: Is it feasible to regulate AI?

From the perspective of employers whose money was used as their businesses’ capital, can they be faulted if they look for alternative ways to reduce their costs to attain competitive advantage?

A few months back, I remember a television network that used AI sportscasters, sparking widespread debate over the potential replacement of human newscasters with AI. Many frowned upon this, saying that the TV network no longer gives importance to its human employees. It will not be surprising if businesses prefer AI over humans because AI has no salary and benefits, usually 40-70% of a company’s total operating expenses. As Secretary Ivan John Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology pointed out, AI will not replace people in the workplace per se. Instead, workers will be replaced with people adept at using AI.

I still believe in the value of human resources and that no organization will survive without it. Businesses must not look at their employees as a commodity that can be easily replaced with a cheaper option. Instead, Business leaders must cultivate a learning environment where people can learn and do work that has value to both the employee and the organization.

Admittedly, AI has indeed disrupted the way we do things. AI can come in different forms– from as basic as the autocorrect feature in text messaging to cancer screening in the healthcare industry. AI is spreading like wildfire and may even be faster than the speed of light. The scope of AI has even outgrown its definition as a branch of computer science. From the AI chatbots alone, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing AI, and Google’s Bard, to name a few, have been operating on their latest versions, which have frequently changed in several months.

As an advocate of AI and its use, I espouse a more reflexive and responsible use of AI in personal, professional, and governmental spheres rather than merely stating what cannot be done through regulations. In our world today, Ethics and Critical Thinking are not just beneficial; they are indispensable. We, as humans, are still in control and responsible for what AI can become in the near future.