Fair and Responsible AI
for Consumers
In earlier times, the selling or providing a product, be it agricultural or consumer products, had transparency, and the focus was to reach out to the consumer and maintain the customer base. The marketing strategies have made many organisations make big claims and promise customers that cannot be delivered. The customer has become a victim, and that is when the consumers realise the need for platforms to protect their interests. March 15 is the day on which the world observes “World Consumer Rights Day”, which focuses on reminding everyone about the importance of consumer rights. In the era of the digital world, protecting and ensuring the interests of consumers has become a challenge. With generative AI becoming ubiquitous, further challenges are emerging. Protecting one’s privacy is becoming a calamity. People are worried about ensuring digital fairness. The theme of observation this year is “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” which focuses on how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and perpetuate biases.
Raise awareness about consumer rights and empower individuals to make informed choices.
In earlier times, the selling or providing a product, be it agricultural or consumer products, had transparency. The focus was to reach out to the consumer and maintain the customer base. As the business grows, so does the competition. When companies grow beyond a point, organisations start resorting to unfair practices. The marketing strategies have made many organisations make big claims and promise customers that cannot be delivered. The customer has become a victim, especially when a monopoly exists or product demand increases. That is when the consumers realised the need for platforms to protect their interests. Demand for mechanisms to hold the entities selling goods and providing services responsible has risen. The consumer rights movements have started taking shape.
Societies and governments need to protect the right to safety, mechanisms of being informed, the right to choose and above all, the right to be heard. Consumer protection movements across the world focussed on ensuring these rights. March 15 is the day on which the world observes “World Consumer Rights Day”. It focuses on reminding everyone about the importance of consumer rights. The origin of “World Consumer Rights Day” is traced back to March 15, 1962, when then-President John F. Kennedy addressed the U.S. Congress, highlighting the importance of protecting consumers’ fundamental rights. The observation started in 1983, and the day was chosen to mark the anniversary of Kennedy’s address to Congress. UN and other international entities support the observation. Consumers International has spearheaded the campaign to foster unity within the consumer movement.
National Consumer Rights Day is observed annually in India on December 24, when the Consumer Rights Act received presidential consent. The discussion and focus remain the same; it is the interest of the consumers.
Changing times and advancements in digital technology enable reaching out to consumers at their homes or workplaces. It is easy to perceive these advancements leading to creating environments to empower consumers. What is seen is that protecting and ensuring the interests of consumers continues to become a challenge. With generative AI becoming ubiquitous, further challenges are emerging. Protecting one’s privacy is becoming a calamity. Advancements in technology can also be used to empower and enhance customers. People are worried about ensuring digital fairness. The theme of observation this year, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” is to focus on how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and perpetuate biases.
Being informed empowers the consumer.
Take time to learn about the rights.
Be wise in exercising your rights.
Toons: Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
