Morocco urged to establish national ethical framework for AI and democracy
A conference organized by the Forum of Engineers for Modernity and Progress at the PPS headquarters in Casablanca has called for Morocco to establish a national ethical framework for artificial intelligence. The recommendations aim to ensure AI serves democracy by enhancing access to information, simplifying administrative procedures, and improving public services, while mitigating risks such as disinformation and threats to electoral integrity. Key proposals include defining clear ethical principles, strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, and ensuring AI tools do not replace human judgment. Participants emphasized the need for security and transparency in managing public data, especially concerning personal information and AI-generated content. The conference also highlighted the importance of investing in training public officials and citizens, starting from primary school, to develop digital literacy and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, strengthening partnerships between the state, businesses, universities, and startups is crucial for developing local AI solutions and reducing reliance on foreign technologies. Lotfi Bensada, a digitalization and Industry 5.0 engineer and member of the Forum, stressed that while AI offers significant advantages, its impact depends on its use, and a robust governance framework is essential to prevent misuse, particularly in electoral processes. He advocated for legal measures, technological tools to detect manipulated conten