inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid warned that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reinforce social bias and widen inequalities if not developed and adopted ethically and critically.

"This reminds us that without a careful approach, AI can actually widen gaps and reinforce the biases we have been correcting," said the Minister of Communication and Digital, Thursday (7/24/2025).

She highlighted the current rapid development of AI technology, even surpassing most people's expectations.

However, most of the AI systems currently in use were developed in countries of the global north, using data and logic that may not be appropriate for the social and cultural context in ASEAN, particularly Indonesia.

This risks reinforcing biases and inequalities that society has long sought to correct.

As a result, an alignment problem arises, where AI technology appears objective but actually conflicts with moral values.

The Minister cited the example of the COMPAS system in the United States, which is used to assess the risk of recidivism but is actually considered to reinforce bias against certain groups.

"Instead of being neutral, this system is suspected of perpetuating bias against Black people," he said.

Meutya emphasized that human development in the AI era is crucial, even as urgent as digital infrastructure development.

Therefore, an approach based on local values, ethics, and critical awareness needs to be prioritized so that AI remains a tool, not a ruler over humans.

(ad/ndt/pr/rs)