Beyond regulation: The case for Compassionate AI

Switzerland and India share the common belief that we need to ensure that AI is used for the public good — supporting inclusive economic growth, social progress, and sustainability

- Kailash Satyarthi

he world is fascinated and captivated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is quickly transforming every aspect of human life. Clearly, it has great potential to benefit both humanity and the planet. However, serious concerns have been raised about its effects, including massive layoffs and increased misinformation. I believe AI can become humanity's greatest ally or its worst enemy.

There is a push for urgent ethical AI guidelines or regulations. I am introducing a new concept, Compassionate AI, which is different from Ethical AI or Responsible AI, as I believe those are not enough. Compassionate AI is artificial intelligence guided by compassion, a force for mindful problem-solving. Before elaborating further, let me highlight some serious challenges.

First, AI has become the most powerful weapon in a high-stakes race for profit and power among a few nations as well as major tech giants and private players. The world is already witnessing an unjustified widening of the knowledge and income gap between the wealthiest and the least developed countries. Clearly, those who gain a monopoly over AI will exert unprecedented control over politics and the economy.