By Samuel Gillis
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is championing the cause of promoting proper and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) software among consumers across Guyana.
During a recent event commemorating World Consumer Rights Day, I had the opportunity to speak with Chelsea Griffith, the bureau’s Marketing and Public Relations Officer, about the 2024 theme “Fair and responsible AI for consumers.”
Griffith revealed that the GNBS has plans to host lectures in schools and engage in various initiatives aimed at advocating for fair and responsible AI practices.
While the bureau currently lacks developed standards specifically for AI, it remains committed to crafting and adopting measures that ensure AI technologies serve consumers in an ethical, transparent, and equitable manner.
In the interim, existing standards are being utilized in the best interest of consumers.
“We focus heavily on consumer protection and business codes and development,” Griffith emphasized. “For product inspection, we look for labeling requirements, monitor standards marks and certification marks, and conduct verification in the markets twice per year to ensure accuracy in trade.”
In addition to protecting consumers through product inspection and verification, the GNBS safeguards consumer rights by verifying weights and measuring instruments used in trade, monitoring products offered for sale, and providing training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations aimed at ensuring quality goods and services.
Regarding corrective measures for businesses failing to adhere to GNBS regulations, Griffith explained, “In such cases, we sometimes seize and destroy substandard products that do not conform to labeling requirements or lack relevant certification marks.”
The GNBS reaffirms its commitment to supporting other consumer protection bodies as they collectively work to protect consumer rights in Guyana.
As technology continues to evolve, the GNBS remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure that AI technologies are utilized responsibly and ethically, ultimately benefiting consumers and promoting fair trade practices across the nation.