In today’s modern age, artificial intelligence is growing very fast. Many nations, including Saudi Arabia, plan to use AI to boost its economy. With its decision of KSA, there are many concerns raised about its true impact. Artificial intelligence provides an advantage to many large corporations. With it, growing businesses can analyze consumer behavior and predict market trends. On one side, if it benefits large businesses at the same time, AI can hurt smaller companies. Because these industries are not able to access advanced technology.
Recently, Saudi Arabia ranked high in artificial intelligence strategies. But this ranking doesn’t necessarily reflect actual progress in AI innovation. The country’s focus on AI seems more about improving its image at the international level than technological advancement.
While Saudi Arabia has big ambitions, the benefits of AI remain unclear, especially for the broader population. Instead of fostering true innovation, the country’s AI efforts may just widen the gap between the rich and the poor.
Saudi Arabia’s push for the usage of AI is concerning. Many claim that it improves productivity and efficiency of businesses but may end up taking away jobs from people. The idea that artificial intelligence provides new jobs is misleading. No doubt that it benefits the business, but at the same time, many workers suffer a loss.
How does AI improve different services?
Saudi officials claim that in agriculture and healthcare centers, AI improves services, but what about the rights of people? With this innovation, the nation takes away the rights of workers. Furthermore, officials claiming it helps the environment also seem doubtful. The fact is that AI might not solve the real problems of sustainability.
Saudi Vision 2030’s heavy focus on AI could be a distraction from addressing serious social issues like human rights. Instead of real progress, AI might widen the gap between the rich and poor in the country.
Saudi Arabia is making efforts to reduce its dependence on oil. For this purpose, the nation investing in non-oil sectors like agriculture, industry, and services. While these attempts seem promising, they raise worries about the actual impact on the economic condition of the nation. Focusing on technology is good for improving life quality, but it also has many risks. For example, it can ignore important issues like social inequality and job creation.
The “Tawakkalna application,” has the purpose of managing documents and services. It may help users avoid penalties, but at the same time, it also raises questions about access to citizens’ data.
The National Data Bank also has a lot of government data. However, relying on this information can stop new ideas and make smaller businesses harder to start. So, the aims of the Saudi nation appear superficial, lacking real engagement with the challenges faced by its citizens. Without considering all factors in mind, these initiatives may not result in sustainable economic growth.
Many programs like the DEEM Government Cloud and Buruq Platform have a special purpose, aiming to improve government services. But it may also lead to increased population monitoring. The question is what will the real improvements occur in citizens’ lives with the country’s investment in AI tools?
It may look beneficial to train thousands of citizens, but the main benefit is for the government rather than the public. The introduction of programs like the “Artificial Intelligence Hour” in schools can push the government’s viewpoint, leading to a decrease in independent thinking among people.
Saudi Arabia is facing serious human rights violations, like limits on freedom of speech and dissent. This focus on skill development happens while the country is facing these problems.
Furthermore, the nation also does not have clear laws on AI. It makes the system vulnerable to cyber threats.
The blockchain system has the objective purpose of boosting data security. It does not pay attention to the ethical use of artificial intelligence. This indicates that for Saudi officials, technology is important for the rights of its citizens.
The country also doesn’t focus on international privacy laws, like GDRP. It protects personal data. This reflects a broader pattern of controlling governance that limits public involvement.
For sustainable practices, a national plan is always needed. Without it, the nation fails to save the environment, putting the future of the generation at risk.