MATHEWS KABAMBA,
PHILIP CHISALU
Kitwe
ZAMBIA Army has cautioned the public against the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) tools because the circulation of misleading content is a danger to national peace and stability.
The defence wing has observed a proliferation of AI-generated videos and other digital content on social media platforms that are aimed at ridiculing and undermining state institutions and constitutionally appointed office-bearers.
Zambia Army spokesperson Sydney Mwewa said in a statement that most of the AI-generated content has the potential to mislead the public, incite divisions, and threaten national peace and stability.
“The Zambia Army wishes to caution members of the general public against the reckless abuse of social media platforms, particularly the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to generate and disseminate content that ridicules, defames, or undermines state institutions and constitutionally appointed officebearers,” Colonel Mwewa said.
He said citizens should be cautious and verify information prior to sharing, adding that they should desist from any online conduct that may incite division and public disorder.
Col Mwewa also warned individuals who have been dragging the Army into politics.
“The Zambia Army reiterates, in the strongest terms, that it remains a disciplined, apolitical and professional institution, mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia to preserve the nation’s sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity, and uphold constitutional order,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambia has called on International Labour Organization (ILO) member states to ensure continued research and evidence generation on the implications of AI for developing economies.
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet in charge of administration Oliver Kalabo made this call on Monday during the 114th international labour conference in Geneva.
This was during a plenary discussion on the reports of the chairperson of the governing body and ILO director general Anousheh Karvar.
Dr Kalabo said AI should strengthen and not weaken human capabilities, expand opportunities and support decent work for all.
He said the challenges posed by AI, like climate change, pandemics and financial instability, transcend national borders, hence no country can address them alone.
“Let us work together to ensure that technological transformation becomes a force for shared prosperity and that no worker and no country is left behind,” he said.
Dr Kalabo also called for enhanced technical cooperation, financial assistance and capacity building to help developing countries expand apprenticeship opportunities, digital skills development and workforce re-skilling…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
