AI must be used ethically and for public safety - president

RIGA - Artificial intelligence (AI) must be used ethically and for public safety, President Edgars Rinkevics said at the opening of the Artificial Intelligence Forum organized by State Competitiveness Commission at Riga Castle.

The president said that the information space is already flooded with disinformation, deepfakes, as well as manipulated content. Other risks come from external actors who want to reshape the world order. Poisoning AI training data with propaganda is becoming a tool to expand global malign influence. In Rinkevics' view, it is therefore necessary to ensure that AI is not only ethical and transparent but also accountable. Also, the public must be protected from distortion of information, cyberattacks, and AI-driven propaganda.

The president believes that AI can improve public services, healthcare, education, and security and contribute to sustainability. Latvia must participate in AI development processes, be ambitious, and look for niches where excellence can be achieved, Rinkevics said.

He noted that this year a National AI Center was established with a special regulatory environment for testing new solutions, and the national AI strategy is being updated.

Turning attention to defense and security, the president stressed the role of AI in preventing hybrid threats, including in countering drone attacks, cyber threats, and interference in election processes. He noted Latvia's role in the protection of external borders of the European Union (EU) and NATO and the work of the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, which has set up an artificial intelligence laboratory.

In digital governance, Latvia can be a leader in smart regulation and advanced public services. As the European Commission updates digital rules, Latvia should advocate a framework that is predictable, innovation-friendly, and safe. With high-quality public data and Latvia's strong digital culture, services can be built that reduce bureaucracy and empower citizens, Rinkevics said.

As regards education, the president said that AI should be used to amplify students' talents, not replace them. It is essential that these tools are made available to all students, Rinkevics said, adding that the most important question is not how AI works, but what it changes in us - in our habits, our choices, and our skills.

Rinkevics concluded by stressing that purpose of AI is to strengthen democracy, security, economic growth, and enhance people's ability to learn and create.