The AI Frikandel Conundrum

By Daniela de Almeida Lourenço

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field of work that has seen immense breakthroughs in the last few years, given its application in the tangible world. AI Technology already indicates a dramatic shift in human resource management and technology dependency. Notwithstanding the advantages, the implementation of this technology without a mature and informed strategy may not be as beneficial as imagined and, in some cases, counterproductive. What does this have to do with the Netherlands’ favourite deep-fried snack? This article will share insights on the risks of rushed AI adoption and provide recommendations to assist in the governance of this emerging technology.

Information is one of the most valuable assets for an individual, an organisation, or a nation-state. Throughout the ages, information was a currency for power and considerably more challenging to acquire than now. The development of new means of transportation and the invention of the press were leaps in the transfer of information. However, the highest peak in the increase of the availability of information took place with the democratization of the internet. In 2010, the volume of data/information created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide was estimated at two zettabytes. In 2020, this number exceeded 60 zettabytes, it is estimated that this will increase threefold by 2025[i]. Not only the amount of data has expanded, the access to the internet as well: the United Nations declared in 2011 that it was a “key means by which individuals can exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, as guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”[ii], and has reached in 2023 an estimated 90% of the global population[iii].

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