Celebrate... World Consumer Rights Day

Posted 01/01/01

 

Every year on 15th March, the consumer movement and other influential actors come together to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day to raise global awareness on consumer rights, protection and empowerment.

This year, Consumers International, the organisation that co-ordinates the day, has selected ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers’ as the theme - highlighting serious concerns like misinformation, privacy violations, and discriminatory practices, as well as how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and perpetuate biases.

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Last year, breakthroughs in generative AI took the digital world by storm. Thanks to the release of chatbots that appear to mimic human conversation, millions of consumers are already using generative AI in their daily lives. The technology is set to have an enormous impact, in the way we work, create, communicate, gather information and much more. There is real opportunity here. Used properly, generative AI could enhance consumer care and improve channels of redress.

However, it will also have serious implications for consumer safety and digital fairness. With developments taking place at breakneck speed, we must move quickly to ensure a fair and responsible AI future. In an era of mis- and dis-information, consumers have a right to trustworthy, verifiable, and bias-free information. This is a right that AI-powered search may put at risk.

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For more information about World Consumer Rights Day 2024 and how you or your organisation can do more, go to the Consumers International website, see X (formerly Twitter), or lookout for #WorldConsumerRightsDay #WCRD24

 

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