Moffat Mungazi
Dr Evans Sagomba
Everything AI
ACROSS the globe, technological advances have often heralded the promise of a brighter, more efficient future.
Yet, as we stand on the brink of a new digital era, there is a growing unease, an unsettling realisation that not all that glitters in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is pure gold.
In recent weeks, the unveiling of consumer-facing AI tools that blatantly encourage deception, invade privacy, and even propose the automation of all human labour has cast a long, ominous shadow over the landscape of digital innovation.
Today, I wish to draw your attention, dear reader, to this disturbing trend and examine its potentially far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe.
What are we up against?
Imagine, if you will, an AI tool marketed as “invisible AI to cheat” designed expressly to help individuals gain an unfair advantage, whether in examinations, job interviews, or even in everyday transactions.
Such is the brazen proposition of Cluely, an application that openly invites society to “start cheating”, with its manifesto declaring that when everyone succumbs to unethical behaviour, no one remains virtuous.
This is not an isolated incident; another tool, Gigi, prides itself on being “the AI who knows everyone”.
It boldly proclaims that it has mapped your entire digital footprint without your consent, converting your online persona into a product for unscrupulous purposes.
You might ask, “How does this affect me, the ordinary Zimbabwean, who relies on technology to better our everyday lives?”
The answer is both simple and unsettling.
As these unethical AI tools proliferate, they undermine the trust and authenticity of our interactions, both online and off.
In a nation where mobile technology has become integral to communication, commerce, and even political engagement, the misuse of AI to propagate deception and erode privacy is a direct threat to the values we hold dear.
A dialogue with the everyday citizen
Let us envisage a conversation on a bustling Mutare street:
Reader: “I heard about these apps that are supposed to cheat for you or spy on you—should we be worried?”
Dr Sagomba: “Indeed, we should.
While it may sound like something out of a dystopian novel, these applications are real and present.
They are designed, not only to deceive, but to erode the very fabric of trust in our society.
Their message is clear: the means justify the ends, regardless of ethics or the law.”
This dialogue is not merely hypothetical.
When a tool such as Mechanise emerges, which aspires to automate every facet of human work, potentially erasing millions of jobs, it prompts us to ask the fundamental question: “What happens to our livelihoods and the structure of our communities if technology becomes a master rather than a servant?”
The answer, while still unfolding, warns us of an increasingly precarious future where human skills and creativity may be rendered obsolete by the relentless march of unethical innovation.
The Zimbabwean perspective
Zimbabwe, like many other nations in the developing world, is witnessing a rapid digital transformation.
The widespread use of smartphones and the internet has brought opportunities for education, commerce, and governance.
Yet, with opportunity comes risk. Our current legal infrastructure is not always agile enough to catch up with the rapid evolution of technology.
As these unethical AI tools enter the market, they challenge, not only our moral fabric, but also expose the gaps in our regulatory frameworks.
Reader: But don’t we have laws in place to protect our privacy and rights?
Dr Sagomba: In principle, yes.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution and various data protection policies are designed to safeguard individual rights.
However, the technology behind these unethical applications is evolving faster than our capacity to regulate it.
The legal grey areas allow these companies to operate by the letter, if not the spirit, of the law.
It is not merely a technological issue but a social and political one, a wake-up call to modernise our legal boundaries and enforcement mechanisms.
The implications of this are far-reaching. Unethical AI applications do not necessarily respect national borders.
They are developed and marketed by startup companies that often operate from jurisdictions far removed from where their impact is felt.
For Zimbabweans, this means that the digital misuse emanating from overseas could have direct, and sometimes devastating, effects on our local economy, our job market, and even on our social interactions.
Ethical considerations and the erosion of trust
At its heart, the rise of unethical AI is a moral crisis.
These tools diminish the value of hard work, integrity, and genuine achievement.
When the ethos of “cheating” or “spying” is celebrated as just another business model, what message does it send to the future generation?
Consider the question posed by a concerned parent in Harare:
Parent: If I cannot trust the digital tools I use, how will my children learn the value of authenticity and honesty?
Dr Sagomba: This is precisely the worry at hand. Children grow up in an environment where their every move is potentially monitored or manipulated by algorithms.
The normalisation of deception, as seen in these AI tools, risks cultivating a society where ethical conduct is undervalued.
Our schools, our homes, our communities might soon have to grapple with the legacy of misinformation and digital exploitation.
Furthermore, the societal impact is compounded by the fact that unethical AI blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
Technologies that promise to ‘understand you’ by mining your every digital trace can, in the wrong hands, manipulate elections, perpetuate fraud, and even darken the public discourse with targeted misinformation.
The very bedrock of our democracies—trust, transparency, and accountability—is undermined when such technologies are allowed to thrive unchecked.
An interactive Q&A on the practical implications
Let us delve deeper into a practical conversation that might take place at a local community meeting:
Local Business Owner: What does this mean for my small business?
Dr Sagomba: Unethical AI has the potential to disrupt commerce in ways you might never have imagined.
Imagine competitors using AI to scrape your customer data, undercut your prices by manipulating online reviews, or even spot opportunities to undermine your reputation.
Such practices are not just unethical—they can be illegal.
Yet, the enforcement of regulations often trails behind technological innovation.
Young Professional: I worry about my job security. Will AI mean that my skills become obsolete?
Dr Sagomba: That is a valid concern. When companies like Mechanise set out to automate entire industries, it is, not just your role at risk, but the well-being of countless men and women who depend on steady employment.
However, it is also an opportunity for us to reskill and adapt.
The onus is on both the individual and Government to invest in education and training that keeps pace with technological developments, ensuring that human ingenuity remains at the fore.
Concerned Parent: How can I be sure that the AI tools I allow my children to use are safe and ethical?
Dr Sagomba: “Your vigilance is key. Always seek out platforms that adhere to transparent ethical standards, and never hesitate to ask questions about the provenance and governance of the software in question.
Demand accountability from tech companies.
In cases where the rules are still being written, community awareness and pressure will be our best defence.
Legal and regulatory challenges
The rapid evolution of AI poses significant challenges to legal regulators in Zimbabwe.
Presently, our legal system is grappling with outdated provisions that were never designed to confront the complexities of modern AI.
The ethical dilemmas raised by tools such as Cluely, which openly encourages dishonesty, or Gigi, which invades personal space by assembling digital profiles without consent, place a double burden on an already overstretched system.
Reader: So, what can the law do when technology advances so quickly?
Dr Sagomba: The law is, by nature, a slowly evolving entity.
It is built on precedent, debate, and the gradual evolution of social values.
When confronted by rapid technological progress, lawmakers and regulators must be nimble, adapting existing frameworks and introducing new legislation that specifically addresses the unique attributes of AI.
Until such measures are enacted and enforced, the onus falls on individuals and communities to be vigilant and demanding of ethical practices.
Recently, there have been calls for a coordinated international effort to establish universal standards for ethical AI.
For Zimbabwe, a nation continually striving to modernise its regulatory environment, engaging with these global standards is both an opportunity and a challenge.
On the one hand, it provides a benchmark against which local practices can be measured; on the other, it risks imposing standards that may not fully appreciate the socio-economic nuances of our society.
The economic fallout
The potential economic consequences of unethical AI adoption in Zimbabwe could be significant. Consider Mechanize’s ambitious proposal to automate all human labour.
This is not a far-fetched idea in a world increasingly enamoured with digital efficiency.
In an economy where unemployment and underemployment are persistent challenges, the promise of automation might initially be welcomed as an avenue for cost-saving and increased productivity.
Yet, the hidden cost is the human toll—friends, family members, and colleagues rendered redundant by algorithms and machines.
Local Economist: How could the adoption of unethical AI affect our national economy?
Dr Sagomba: In the short term, automated systems could reduce operational costs for many industries.
However, when the human workforce is displaced without adequate social safety nets or re-skilling programmes, the long-term consequences can be severe.
Consumer purchasing power diminishes, social unrest may escalate, and the gap between the haves and have-nots widens.
In Zimbabwe, where economic disparities are already a matter of concern, such a shift could exacerbate existing challenges, leading to a contraction in overall economic growth.
Moreover, the use of AI tools that engage in fraudulent practices, such as cheating in examinations or interviews, can devalue meritocracy and harm the very foundations of fair competition.
When success is no longer a product of hard work and skill, but rather of unethical shortcuts and digital manipulation, the entire economy suffers as talent and innovation are stifled.
The social fabric under siege
Beyond economics and law, unethical AI poses a profound risk to the social fabric of our communities.
In a society where relationships are built on trust and genuine interaction, the notion of an all-seeing, ever-present digital presence that mines every detail of your life is deeply unsettling.
Teacher: How do we prepare our children for a future where privacy is almost non-existent?
Dr Sagomba: Education is our first line of defence.
We must equip our young people with, not only technical skills, but also a robust ethical framework, teaching them to question, to doubt, and to understand the value of their personal data.
In a world where every click, like, and tweet is potentially harvesting information, we need to cultivate a culture of digital literacy and resilience.
This means integrating lessons on privacy, consent, and ethical technology use into our curricula at all levels.
Privacy invasion, as demonstrated by platforms like Gigi, poses another stark reality.
In Zimbabwe, personal identity and reputation are held in high esteem.
When algorithms manipulate personal data to create a voyeuristic and exploitative digital profile without consent, we risk undermining the entire notion of personal dignity.
Reader: Is it even possible to safeguard our privacy in the age of AI?
Dr Sagomba: While absolute privacy may be an unattainable ideal in our interconnected world, there are practical steps we can take.
This involves supporting legislative reforms, encouraging the adoption of ethical tech standards, and, importantly, educating ourselves on best practices in cybersecurity.
We must view privacy not as a relic of the past, but as a right that we continually defend against encroachments.
A Call for collective action
The battle against unethical AI is not one that can be fought by technologists or lawmakers alone—it demands a united front from all sectors of society.
As Zimbabwe continues to integrate digital tools into every facet of life, it is imperative that we foster open dialogues, share our concerns, and hold companies accountable for their actions.
Reader: How might we galvanise our society to take a stand against these unethical practices?
Dr Sagomba: It begins with awareness and conversation. We must create platforms for discussions in our communities, schools, and workplaces where the ethical implications of technology can be debated openly.
Social media and local media have a role to play as well, reporting on unethical practices, highlighting success stories of ethical technology use, and demanding higher standards from tech companies.
Through civic engagement, we can influence policymakers to prioritise digital ethics and enact robust regulations that safeguard our collective interests.
Furthermore, businesses should be encouraged to adopt ethical AI standards, not as an afterthought but as a core component of their operational values.
Collaborations between academia, industry, and government can lead to the creation of certification schemes and ethical audits that ensure AI tools do not cross the line into exploitation or deception.
Practical steps for the ordinary citizen
Given the rapid pace at which unethical AI is being deployed, what can you, an ordinary Zimbabwean, do to protect yourself and your community?
Let us consider a series of straightforward, practical measures:
Be informed: Stay updated on the latest developments in AI technology. Knowledge is the first line of defence.
Whether it is through local news, community meetings, or online forums, understanding what’s at stake is vital.
Practice cyber vigilance: Regularly review the permissions granted to the apps and digital services you use.
Be cautious of platforms that promise undue advantages, such as unethical shortcuts in examinations or recruitment.
When an app or tool seems too good to be true, it very well might be.
Demand transparency: Whenever possible, inquire about how data is collected, used, and stored by the services you engage with.
Ask questions of both companies and regulators.
A simple question such as “Can you explain how my data is being safeguarded?” can make a significant difference in cultivating a culture of transparency.
Support ethical platforms: Seek out and support companies that adhere to robust ethical standards.
By rewarding ethical behaviour with patronage, you contribute to an ecosystem that values transparency, integrity, and respect for personal rights.
Engage with your community: Talk to neighbours, community leaders, and local organisations about the potential threats posed by unethical AI.
Collective awareness brings collective strength, and by discussing these issues openly, you help to build a resilient community.
Advocate for regulation: Write to your local representatives, participate in public forums, and get involved in grassroots movements that lobby for strict controls over the use of AI.
Regulatory oversight is a shared responsibility and requires a concerted effort from all members of society.
Imagining a future of ethical innovation
Despite the current challenges, there is still hope.
The future of AI does not have to be bleak if we steer it towards ethical innovation rather than deception.
Envision a scenario where technological progress is harnessed to uplift communities rather than exploit vulnerabilities.
Imagine AI tools that are designed to improve education, streamline healthcare, and bolster local economies without compromising our fundamental rights.
Student: Is it possible for AI to be both innovative and ethical?
Dr Sagomba: Absolutely. Ethical innovation is the cornerstone of sustainable progress.
It is incumbent upon scientists, developers, and entrepreneurs to embed ethical considerations into the very code of artificial intelligence.
This means building AI that is transparent, accountable, and designed with the well-being of all users in mind.
In Zimbabwe, where resilience and ingenuity run deep, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example.
By championing ethical AI, we can set a precedent for the rest of the world.
Consider the success stories from around the globe where ethical AI has improved lives, be it through predictive healthcare, disaster management, or educational tools that adapt to the needs of individual learners.
These examples serve as beacons of hope.
They remind us that while unethical applications may capture headlines, the true power of AI lies in its potential to transform our society for the better.
The role of education and cultural change
Education is the linchpin in our response to unethical AI.
Our schools, universities, and vocational training centres must work together to incorporate digital ethics into their curricula.
Such programmes should not merely focus on technical skills but also on the moral and social implications of living in a data-driven world.
Teacher: How do we ensure that our children grow up with a healthy understanding of technology?
Dr Sagomba: It starts with an open, inclusive dialogue about the benefits and pitfalls of digital innovation.
We need to develop curricula that encourage critical thinking, where students learn not just how to use technology but also how to question its impact on society.
By fostering an environment of inquiry and by challenging the status quo, we empower the next generation with the knowledge and moral compass needed to navigate a complex digital landscape.
Cultural change is no less important.
Communities must cultivate a sense of shared responsibility for the ethical use of technology.
Whether through local forums, radio programmes, or community-driven workshops, we must encourage dialogue and collective problem-solving.
By making ethical discourse a central part of our cultural narrative, we create a buffer against the rapid erosion of our values by unscrupulous digital forces.
A vision for a safer digital Zimbabwe
So, what is the way forward?
The answer lies in collective vigilance and proactive engagement.
As Zimbabweans, we must not allow the promise of cheap, fast, and effective AI shortcuts to dull our critical faculties.
Instead, we should celebrate technological achievements that respect human dignity and enhance our quality of life.
Reader: How do we stop unethical AI from becoming the norm?
Dr Sagomba: It begins with every one of us engaging in a dialogue about our values.
We must hold corporations, governments, and international organisations to account.
Through persistent, informed discussion and by demanding transparency and accountability, we can shape a digital ecosystem that truly serves the public good.
Let us not forget that every revolutionary technology, from the printing press to the internet, was once met with scepticism and fear.
It is our duty to ensure that the narrative for AI is one of empowerment and ethical stewardship, not one of exploitation.
Imagine a future where ethical AI drives positive change: a Zimbabwe where technology enhances public services, supports sustainable economic development, and fortifies the social contract between the state and its citizens.
This vision is attainable, but it requires the unwavering commitment of every stakeholder, from the tech innovators and regulators to the everyday citizen engaging thoughtfully with digital tools.
Final reflections and a call to action
The rise of unethical AI is not a distant, abstract threat.
It is unfolding before our eyes, challenging the norms and traditions that have long defined our society.
We are confronted with tools that blur the line between innovation and exploitation, between progress and regression.
For Zimbabwe, a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a resilient spirit, the imperative to safeguard our future has never been more urgent.
Thus, as we continue to integrate technology into every facet of life in Zimbabwe, from the bustling streets of Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo, Masvingo or wherever we are, to the quiet rural communities, we must remember that ethics and progress are not mutually exclusive.
The future of AI can be one of empowerment rather than exploitation, of transparency rather than trickery, if we are willing to work tirelessly towards that vision.
Make us human.
Final question to every reader: What is your stance on the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, and what legacy do you want to leave for the future?
I invite you, dear reader, to reflect on this and to join the conversation.
Spread awareness, support ethical innovation, and be the watchdog that our society desperately needs.
Together, we can forge a digital future that upholds the values of honesty, respect, and collective progress.
In our hands lies the power to transform technology from a tool of exploitation into a beacon of hope.
Let us act now, with vigour and resolve, to ensure that the story of AI in Zimbabwe is one of ethical triumph rather than moral collapse.
This article is not merely an opinion piece, it is a call for collective action, a roadmap for preserving the dignity and privacy of every Zimbabwean in the digital age.
Let us be prepared, let us ask the hard questions, and let us champion a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.
I trust this discussion has provided you with both the context and the tools to understand the dangers of unethical AI.
The questions raised and the subsequent answers are a mirror to our times, reflecting the challenges we face and the proactive measures we must take.
In our local dialect and global awareness, let us speak out, educate, and safeguard our society against those who would trade ethics for expediency.
I urge you to think critically, engage passionately, and act decisively.
The tools of unethical AI may be sophisticated, but our collective resolve and ethical clarity are far greater.
Let us not be passive consumers of technology, but active shapers of its trajectory.
The future of Zimbabwe, and indeed the world, depends on it.
This article is an invitation to dialogue and action, a reminder that while the rise of unethical AI represents a formidable challenge, our united responses, informed questions, and determined advocacy can, indeed, forge a better, fairer digital tomorrow.
Your engagement could be the spark that initiates widespread change.
If you have specific areas that you need to be addressed in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI), contact the editors or email the author directly, and the issue will be addressed in the following week’s column.
About the Author.
Dr Evans Sagomba is a Doctor of Philosophy and Chartered Marketer (CMktr, FCIM) with an MPhil and PhD. He specialises in AI, Ethics, and Policy Research, and is an AI Governance and Policy Consultant. His expertise extends to Ethics of War and Peace and Political Philosophy.
Contact: [email protected]
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Dr. Evans Sagomba (MSc Marketing)(FCIM )(MPhil) (PhD)
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