Face recognition system should not be biased and algorithms should be transparent, says IT, Minister

Minister of Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad, at a four-day event, called all.ai organized by Intel, spoke about the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) especially Face recognition.

Key Points which IT minister spoke:

• Unbiased Algorithms.
• Trustworthy data sharing.
• Privacy of User’s data.
• Social Empowerment the Goal.
• AI shouldn’t be weaponized.

Mr. Prasad conjointly addresses the worldwide importance of unbiased Facial (Face) recognition systems (algorithms). He further said it should be impartial when it involves local citizens.

“The facial recognition process cannot show any bias of colour or ethnicity,” Minister said.

Prasad further said while the user’s data is being kept into account, they must be informed about the purpose for which it is being used, but also with their consent.

“Data is the oxygen for AI. The data ecosystem has to be trustworthy that users needed to be informed of the purpose for which their data is being used. There must be sanctity in that process, be it safety, security, or consent. It is equally important that the right to privacy is respected as well,” he said.

He also added that the application of AI should not be in a manner that the basic time-tested attributes of human existence are lost. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out, AI cannot be used as a means of weaponization,” said Prasad.

Prime minister Narendra Modi said that the world must be protected from the “weaponization of AI”, while addressing the RAISE Summit on October 5. He further said that the Algorithm’s transparency can ensure trust in How AI is used.

“As an IT minister, the prospect excites me. But as the law minister, it concerns me. If a driverless car causes an accident, who is responsible: the car, or its owner, who might not even be in it?”

Minister Prasad also addressed concerns about the loss of jobs because of AI. “Yes, there are apprehensions that AI will displace jobs. But if some jobs will go, more and more will be created. AI may displace existing jobs, but more jobs are going to be created once the ecosystem unfolds.”

The problem of bias in Facial recognition has resulted in many serious steps by several cities across developed countries like the USA, all the way to a complete ban on facial (Face) recognition systems. What’s your opinion on this matter? I’m happy to read your comments down below. Your feedbacks are always welcome. Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comment section. Thanks for reading, see you in the next one. Cheers!!

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Originally published at https://dashprism.com on October 22, 2020.