Hi Chaiwe,

This is a good and timely topic, thanks.

For me, the central questions are why do we need WASH AI? And how will it speed up the sharing of information, that is credible?

I would like to explore if AI/ML can work with networks like SuSanA or RWSN and help human moderators organize information and expand networks. At a superficial level, possibly, by scanning the vast quantities of information and suggesting how they may be organized to match current information needs. For instance, AI/ML could be tasked with reviewing that WASH communities are discussing and identify trends, which could help other networks bring out relevant information from their contributors. But the danger is, as pointed out, that most content will start to sound similar. There is also a chance that new information, news and views may be played down, contrary to expectations.

The internet is a maze of data, some credible but most not. I do not believe AI/ML can differentiate between them, again necessitating human intervention.

For AI/ML to work it will need humint; working together rather than independently may be beneficial to both and the networks.

I second Obinna's concerns about data protection with regards to AI.

Regards,
Nitya

OBINNA Richfield Anah (CKM, MOL), African Ministerial Council for Water (AMCOW)

"Innovation in AI must go hand-in-hand with data protection.''
Obinna highlights a challenge in WASH AI: the need for systems that respect confidentiality and prevent data misuse. AI can truly empower the WASH sector, but we should carefully look at addressing potential privacy concerns and data miss-use head-on.

"Obinna noted privacy and data misuse as a potential risk with AI. Sensitive information, such as confidential reports or data on specific organisational performance, might become accessible to unintended audiences if uploaded to AI systems. He cited concerns that unvetted or private data could be shared, which could affect entities’ reputation or competitive advantage.

Obinna went on to share, ''Remember that AI simply uses inputted information and knowledge. It needs people more than people need it. It is a man-made advanced use of exploded information stored in spaces like Google over the years; it does not think, it only harnesses what has been externalised before by humans like you and me.'' 

''In the just few months of Chat GPT usage you can see that many users are already sounding alike in their presentations and speeches with the repetition of some common terms like ‘foster, remarkable, pivotal, etc’, such that we can easily spot an AI generated script.

''Obinna also pointed out that, while technology continues to transform how we work, Comms experts and Knowledge Management professionals remain key in creating, curating, and sharing new knowledge. After all, it's the human touch that drives innovation and connection!

What’s your take on Obinna's concerns? 👇
 

Hello SuSanA users,

Join me as I share some insightful thoughts and ideas on what some of the top Global South experts think and feel about a future with WASH AI. We welcome your thoughts and comments on these very engaging conversations. 

What is WASH AI? 
WASH AI is an initiative born out of the challenges of the sector to provide effective data, information, knowledge products and services that truly meet the needs of those who need it the most, from professionals working in CBOs, Governments, INGOs and other private sector actors. The genesis of this idea came from the experience of Baobab Tech's founder, who has contributed to the sector for over 20 years in various capacities such as WASH technical advisor, engineer, project manager, executive and consultant, and has also helped build digital tools for the sector.

You can find more about WASH AI here: baobabtech.ai/posts/wash-ai-revolutioniz...ificial-intelligence 

Kind Regards,
Chaiwe