Saudi Arabia Highlights Ethical AI at Global MIL Week
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) actively participated in UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week, an annual event observed from October 24 to 31, 2025. During the week, SDAIA emphasized the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to promote the ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence. The overarching theme for the 2025 MIL Week focused on how AI is transforming information consumption and trust .
Addressing Deepfakes and Misinformation
As part of its engagement, SDAIA, in cooperation with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), hosted a virtual session titled 'Deepfakes: Responsible Use and Social Risks'. This session aimed to enrich global dialogue on responsible AI and showcase Saudi Arabia's experience alongside international best practices for addressing manipulated content . The discussion also supported efforts to enhance trust and credibility in media and information platforms, raising awareness about AI ethics and the risks associated with deepfake technology . Deepfakes, which use advanced AI to generate highly realistic audio and visual content, present significant ethical and legal concerns related to privacy and credibility .
National Strategy for Data and AI
Saudi Arabia's commitment to ethical AI is a cornerstone of its broader National Strategy for Data and AI (NSDAI), which was approved on July 17, 2020 . SDAIA, established to drive the national agenda for data and AI, aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for data and AI, with a strong emphasis on ethical applications and a robust ecosystem . The NSDAI includes six main pillars, one of which is 'Regulation', designed to foster a business-friendly regulatory environment based on international best practices . The Kingdom prioritizes the application of ethical principles throughout the entire lifecycle of AI system development .
Fostering Responsible AI Adoption
The Kingdom has also developed specific Generative AI Guidelines for both government entities and the public, ensuring the responsible and informed use of these advanced technologies . These initiatives align with Vision 2030, which seeks to leverage responsible AI to achieve national digital transformation objectives . Saudi Arabia has also contributed to the development of global AI ethics policies approved by international organizations, including UNESCO . This proactive approach underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to building a forward-looking, inclusive AI ecosystem grounded in ethical principles and international collaboration .
5 Comments
Matzomaster
"Ethical AI" from a country with a questionable human rights record? Hard to take seriously.
Habibi
Participating in UNESCO MIL Week to discuss AI ethics is a good move for international reputation building. Nevertheless, the article could have provided more concrete examples of how these ethical principles are being applied within Saudi Arabia's own AI projects.
Muchacho
Their National Strategy for Data and AI sounds incredibly forward-thinking. Good job, KSA!
Coccinella
While the NSDAI and Generative AI Guidelines are commendable steps towards responsible AI, the effectiveness will depend on independent oversight and robust public participation in their development and enforcement.
Comandante
Addressing deepfakes and misinformation with AI is a vital global challenge that Saudi Arabia is right to highlight. Still, it's important to ensure that AI development doesn't inadvertently create new avenues for control or restrict legitimate information flow.