The Shura Council emphasizes combating the illegal use of artificial intelligence
The Saudi Shura Council held its thirty-second regular session of the second year of its ninth term, chaired by the Council's Vice President, Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami. The agenda was dominated by vital discussions concerning the Kingdom's digital and economic future, with the Council's explicit call for monitoring and combating the illicit use of artificial intelligence standing out, given the rapid technological advancements the world is witnessing.
Technological development and combating the illicit use of artificial intelligence
The Council issued a resolution urging the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to enhance the development of the data market and expedite the issuance of regulatory licenses to stimulate investment. In a proactive move, the Council emphasized the importance of coordinating with relevant entities to develop robust mechanisms aimed at combating the illicit use of artificial intelligence, particularly deepfakes and digital disinformation, to ensure a secure and reliable digital environment.
These steps align with the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 efforts to transform into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Historically, Saudi Arabia recognized the importance of data governance early on, leading to the establishment of the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) as the national authority in this field. Regionally and internationally, this approach reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in developing ethical and legal frameworks for emerging technologies, contributing to the formulation of global standards that protect societies from technological risks without stifling innovation.
Strengthening the infrastructure and logistics transport system
In a related matter, the Council directed the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to study the feasibility of establishing additional roads and railways to connect the Kingdom's regions, thereby enhancing the integration of the transport system. It also emphasized the importance of developing a strategic plan to ensure the continuity of supply chains during emergencies, reviewing building lease agreements to optimize spending, and expanding private sector involvement in logistics activities.
The shift towards inclusive digital education
The Council called on the National Center for E-Learning to develop its policies and regulations to transition to a comprehensive digital education system. It emphasized the need to adopt emerging technologies to enhance the quality of education and keep pace with global changes. The Council also urged the Center to strengthen its international standing by leveraging global standards and indicators, and to develop an institutional communication strategy to promote its initiatives.
Innovation in endowments and the development of the non-profit sector
The council urged the General Authority for Endowments to develop modern and flexible endowment products that align with economic and digital changes, and to establish an index to measure the impact of endowments. In parallel, the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development called for the implementation of measures to incentivize the sector's growth, the development of donation platforms, and the creation of digital solutions that support financial sustainability.
Environmental sustainability and enabling the space sector
Environmentally, the Council urged the Environment Fund to implement international standards and fund specialized research into the genetic modification of native non-fruit-bearing trees to increase their carbon absorption capacity. This aligns perfectly with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant billions of trees and reduce carbon emissions, reflecting the Kingdom's international commitment to combating climate change. The Council also called on the National Center for Waste Management to strengthen media partnerships to raise awareness. In the space sector, the Council discussed the Saudi Space Agency's report, highlighting calls for establishing a pathway to integrate qualified Saudi graduates from astronomy and space science departments to support this promising sector.
Debt management efficiency and institutional performance measurement
On the financial and administrative front, the Council discussed the National Debt Management Center's report, calling for the development of a national framework to measure debt efficiency and link borrowing to economic returns, to ensure that debt remains within safe levels. It also called on the National Center for Measuring the Performance of Public Entities to develop a comprehensive national index for measuring the institutional maturity of government entities, with flexibility to suit the nature of each entity.
Supporting coastal assets and authentic sports
Finally, regarding the Saudi Red Sea Authority, the Council called for the development of an incentive program for investment in coastal areas and the establishment of a framework for classifying coastal assets. It also urged the Jockey Club to expand the construction of racecourses in outlying provinces, promote equestrian culture, and attract national talent.
