IGF 2024:
Exploring Ethics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
On September 20, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in El Salvador, where I was invited to speak on the critical topic of AI ethics. As the CEO of TreeCloud AI Lab, Central America’s first AI lab, this opportunity was both an honor and a responsibility, allowing me to share insights on the responsible development of AI and the ethical challenges we face in its implementation.
During my presentation, I emphasized the importance of transparency, justice, privacy, and accountability in AI systems. These principles are essential in guiding how AI technologies impact society, ensuring that they are designed and deployed with fairness and equity at their core. As AI continues to evolve, the decisions we make today will shape how it affects people and institutions globally.
We discussed key challenges such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the need for clear accountability mechanisms when AI systems fail. These topics sparked vibrant discussions among the participants, each bringing unique perspectives from different sectors—tech developers, policymakers, and civil society. Collaborating with these diverse teams underscored the importance of creating AI systems that work for everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable to its potential harms.
The event was a constructive platform for exchanging ideas, reflecting on AI’s current trajectory, and exploring solutions to mitigate the risks associated with this rapidly advancing technology. Together, we explored the role of regulations, such as the EU’s proposed AI Act, which aims to classify AI systems by risk and implement safeguards for high-risk applications, including health, justice, and public safety.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CONEXION and SVNet for organizing the VII Internet Governance Forum and for the opportunity to contribute to such an important discussion.
In conclusion, IGF 2024 reaffirmed the collective responsibility we all share—developers, regulators, governments, and users—to ensure AI remains a force for good. We must continue to prioritize ethics in AI development, making sure this technology enhances human dignity and promotes societal progress.
