As the world observed World Consumer Rights Day 2024 under the theme ““Fair and responsible AI for consumers” on March 15, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting ethical practices in the digital age.
The theme came at a time when the world’s technological landscape is rapidly evolving. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly significant role in shaping consumer experiences. With advancements that lead to personalized recommendations in automated decision-making processes, AI has the potential to enhance efficiency and convenience for consumers. However, alongside these benefits come challenges related to fairness, accountability, and transparency.
Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, and taking into consideration that this technology is relatively new to Guyana, the GNBS is looking to actively engage in initiatives aimed at promoting fair and responsible AI practices, and is opened to developing and adopting specific standards for AI. Additionally, through its regulatory frameworks, advocacy efforts, and consumer education programmes, the GNBS endeavours to ensure that AI technologies serve consumers in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and equitable.
While the GNBS may not have specific standards for AI, it encourages businesses and organizations to adhere to principles of fairness, non-discrimination, and user privacy in their AI systems. By promoting transparency about how AI systems operate and the data they use, the GNBS joins with other likeminded and consumer protection organisations to empower consumers to make informed decisions about AI-driven products and services.
Since its establishment, the GNBS has been at the forefront of consumer protection through facilitating the development of and access to standards, and through its various core services which ensure consumers know about the accuracy, consistency, purity and quality of goods and services.
The Bureau protects consumers through the verification of weighing and measuring instruments used in trade, the inspection and monitoring of products offered for sale, the delivery of training and technical assistance to individuals and organisation aiming to provide quality goods and services. In addition, the Bureau certifies laboratories and tests products consumers use for conformance to standards.
Furthermore, the GNBS places a strong emphasis on consumer education and awareness-raising initiatives. Over the years, the GNBS has continually reached out to consumers through outreach visits, school lectures and meetings across the country, through radio and television programmes and other initiatives to educate consumers. These awareness opportunities have also helped to garner consumer feedback to better meet their needs.
By empowering consumers with knowledge about AI technologies, their rights and responsibilities, and potential risks of using substandard products and services, the GNBS aims to foster informed decision-making and promote digital literacy. Through workshops, school lectures and informational campaigns, the GNBS will continue to educate consumers across Guyana.
Finally, on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, 2024, the GNBS reaffirms its commitment to maintaining its support to other consumer protection bodies – the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). To celebrate World Consumer Rights this year, GNBS, CCAC and DCA participated in the World Consumer Rights Pop Up Expo on March 15 on Main Street Avenue, Georgetown.
