Among the more startling international news stories early this month was one originating in Hong Kong about an employee in the financial sector who was tricked into releasing US$25.6 million (about 200 million Hong Kong dollars) to scammers.

The employee obeyed the request because those in a virtual meeting looked and sounded exactly like authorised staff members.

It turned out the ‘people’ he spoke to were all fake
— created by fraudsters who flawlessly replicated visuals and sounds using artificial intelligence (AI).

We are told that such sophisticated schemes are increasing at an alarming rate as AI technology evolves.

It’s an open secret that the Jamaican financial sector has been hard-pressed by scammers in recent years, though we trust and hope the level of deviltry reported in Hong Kong can be avoided here.

Those of us who watched sci-fi movies decades ago, laughing and scoffing at scenes we considered ludicrous, are now seeing and experiencing technology-driven scenarios we had considered impossible back then.

Indeed, such as been the escalation in digital and related growth over the last 40 years it sometimes feels like our world is spinning out of control.

Obviously, it’s not all negative. In fact, the world is probably a far better place because of ever-evolving modern technologies.

Where would we be without the Internet? That’s a thought that readily springs to mind.

Yet, there can be no ignoring the potential negatives inherent in artificial intelligence. We note even some who have invested skills, time, and money in its development are now pleading for a strong regulatory framework.

It’s clear that metaphorical doors and windows are being opened that have created nightmares for some in the know.

It’s against that backdrop that three of our political leaders
— Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, Opposition parliamentarians Messrs Julian Robinson and Fitz Jackson
— have voiced concerns to this newspaper about the potential for AI’s use in electoral misdeeds.0

All three fear that the ruthlessly cynical could use it to misrepresent and misinform during election campaigns, including the one now ongoing. They are urging collaboration across party lines, including legislation, to neuter or at least minimise the threat.

And we note that the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) has cautioned media houses and the general public to “look out for the unscrupulous use of AI for content creation which can be used to mislead and misinform…”

“Media houses are encouraged to remain vigilant and, if necessary, bolster their editorial and commercial vetting processes to better detect and intercept offending material during this period of heightened activity to keep it out of mainstream media,” the MAJ said. And further that, “The public is also advised to carefully check the content they consume, along with the sources, and then cross-check with traditionally reputable media brands.”

Of course, all of that recommended vetting and cross-checking is easier spoken about than done.

And what of increasingly influential social media which, by its very nature, is a free-for-all?

Clearly, though, it’s not just about our electoral democracy. The cornerstones of our economy and society could come under threat. Our Government, Parliament, universities, civil society, all with capacity, need to join with the wider world in proactively seeking solutions.