Vaz urges public-private sector to team up to tackle AI, cybersecurity threats and opportunities
Published:Friday | October 11, 2024 | 12:08 AMSashana Small/Staff Reporter
Government minister Daryl Vaz wants greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the threats and opportunities inherent in rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity technologies.
Vaz, who is the minister of science, energy, telecommunications, and transport, believes that these technological advances have the potential to revolutionise society and that the revolution can be fast-tracked through a mutually beneficial partnership.
“By working together, we can develop comprehensive strategies to address the challenges and risks posed by AI and cybersecurity. This includes sharing threat intelligence, investing in cutting-edge research, and developing industry-wide standards for securing AI systems,” he said.
The minister was speaking at the inaugural SynCon Technologies Technology Summit yesterday.
The event, which commemorated the company’s 30th anniversary, was aimed at raising awareness and deepening understanding of how AI and cybersecurity can drive transformation, while also highlighting the critical need for organisations to build capacity to effectively navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Outlining the capability of AI to reshape key aspects of governance such as healthcare, agriculture education, and public administration, he said its development would only further enhance the quality of life for all Jamaicans.
However, even though its potential to improve governance is immense, Vaz noted that the technology comes with challenges, especially in the areas of ethics, accountability, and security.
“This is where the role of government becomes critical. As policymakers, we must guide the development and deployment of AI to ensure that it serves the public good. This requires foresight, agility, and a commitment to creating a legal and regulatory framework that balances innovation with the protection of fundamental rights,” he said.
The Government established an AI task force last year to provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of a national AI policy. Senator Dana Morris Dixon, minister of information, said she has received a report from the task force, the contents of which are expected to be shared next week.
There have also been calls for the country’s Cybersecurity Act to be amended to take into account the advancements of these technologies, gaps that Vaz told The Gleaner he is optimistic the task force has identified and has made requisite recommendations to address.
Labelling cybersecurity as a national security concern, Vaz stressed that cybercriminals are employing more sophisticated methods, and as such, the country’s defence systems should be equally advanced.
Calling for Jamaica’s cybersecurity infrastructure to be strengthened, Vaz suggested that this could be done through the use of AI.
“AI-powered cybersecurity systems offer a promising solution to this growing threat. These systems are capable of monitoring network activity 24/7, identifying potential threats, and taking immediate action. When an anomaly is detected, such as an unauthorised access attempt or an unusual spike in traffic, these AI-driven systems can block the threat in real time and alert relevant authorities,” he said.
However, “the need for strong cybersecurity measures is not limited to government systems”, Vaz stated. He noted that critical sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and financial services are increasingly relying on digital infrastructure.
However, the minister acknowledged that the increasing reliance on AI in these sectors makes it both a tool and a target in cybersecurity.
As such, it is “imperative that we not only invest in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions but also work collaboratively to develop best practices for securing AI systems. Governments and industries must foster a culture of continuous learning as cyber threats are constantly evolving,” he said.