As the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, Bhutan is taking proactive steps to harness its potential while safeguarding against associated risks. Recent projections by Grand View Research indicate the worldwide AI market is set to balloon from $397 billion in 2022 to an impressive $1.58 trillion by 2028. Complementing this, PwC forecasts that AI could inject a monumental $15.7 trillion into the global economy by 2030.
These transformative insights were unveiled by Sherab Gocha of GovTech at Bhutan’s national cybersecurity conference on October 25. The conference underscored the dual-edged nature of AI advancements—highlighting both their economic promise and the challenges they pose.
Bhutan’s commitment to cybersecurity is exemplified by the Bhutan Computer Incident Response Team (BtCIRT) under the Cybersecurity Division of the GovTech Agency. This October marks the ongoing observance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, themed “Educate, Empower, Secure: Building a Cyber-Safe Bhutan.” The initiative aims to raise awareness and strengthen the nation’s defenses against cyber threats in an increasingly digital world.
However, the march towards AI ubiquity is not without its hurdles. A McKinsey study cited during the conference warns of potential disruptions, predicting that AI could displace around 400 million jobs—approximately 15% of the global workforce—by 2030. This looming shift necessitates a balanced approach to AI integration, particularly within Bhutan’s civil services.
During his presentation, Gocha introduced comprehensive guidelines for the use of generative AI by civil servants. He advocated for a cautious and responsible deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that the benefits are maximized while mitigating associated risks. Emphasizing the absence of specific data protection regulations in Bhutan, Gocha pointed to existing data management protocols as a foundational framework.
“A critical element in AI utilization is human oversight,” Gocha asserted. “Users must diligently analyze, fact-check, and make informed decisions based on AI-generated content. Additionally, we need robust mechanisms to address any issues or incidents arising from AI systems.”
Privacy and security emerged as central themes in Gocha’s discourse. Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini gather extensive user data, including usage patterns and logs. While these platforms often allow users to control their personal information—such as opting out of data collection or requesting deletion—Gocha highlighted the importance of vigilance. He recounted an incident where a Toyota employee inadvertently uploaded sensitive data to an AI platform, resulting in significant financial repercussions.
Ensuring the safety and reliability of AI systems is paramount. Gocha stressed that AI must deliver intended outcomes while remaining inclusive and unbiased, avoiding discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics. Nonetheless, challenges such as inherent biases in training data and the opaque nature of complex AI models persist, complicating efforts to address these issues.
To navigate these complexities, Gocha called for the establishment of stringent regulations tailored to different levels of AI risk. He categorized AI systems into three tiers: high-risk applications in sectors like healthcare and law enforcement require rigorous oversight; limited-risk systems, including chatbots and recommendation engines, necessitate moderate supervision; and minimal-risk tools, such as basic automation software, can be managed with discretionary use by civil servants.
Ethical concerns surrounding AI were also addressed, particularly regarding surveillance and the use of biometric data without explicit consent. “As AI systems become more sophisticated, the potential for misuse grows,” Gocha warned. “We must prioritize ethical standards to prevent privacy violations and ensure that AI serves the public good.”
Moreover, the potential for AI-generated content to disseminate misinformation poses significant societal risks. Gocha urged the public to approach AI-generated information with skepticism, advocating for verification through reliable sources.
Bhutan’s strategic approach to AI reflects a broader recognition of its transformative potential and the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. By fostering an environment that prioritizes education, empowerment, and security, Bhutan aims to build a resilient and cyber-safe nation poised to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence.
As Bhutan navigates this technological frontier, the balance between innovation and regulation will be crucial in shaping a future where AI contributes positively to society while minimizing its inherent risks.
