1 / The concept of artificial intelligence

Although there is debate about what “artificial intelligence” is, the term is used to refer to machines that include some degree of human cognitive ability. Artificial intelligence systems are not created equal and range from simple recruitment applications and automated chat software to systems with “machine learning” capabilities. The last version of the system is capable of “learning” on its own (using all of the data submitted) and thus making accurate predictions and decisions. Some are more sophisticated and use “deep learning” algorithms, i.e. algorithms that globally simulate the information processing patterns found in the human brain, to understand the new information it receives by comparing it to something known.

Ridesharing applications such as Uber and Careem use in-depth learning to calculate your itinerary and the price of your flight; Tesla uses a machine learning model (not supervised by humans) to drive its automated experimental functions; Netflix and Amazon use behavioral algorithms to predict which movies and TV series you are likely to enjoy, and which products you might be interested in based on your previous choices and purchases.

Although the discourse on artificial intelligence has existed for at least 60 years with many waves of development and enthusiasm that have each failed, except this time, the latest wave of advances in artificial intelligence promises a fundamental change in many aspects of our personal and professional lives.

Take, for example, the case of the use of artificial intelligence in robotics, which allows the imaging and “reading” of DNA molecules that bind to 68 billion points in two minutes, thus enabling every child to test for every possible genetic disease. All these and many other advances are made possible by the convergence of faster, cheaper and more computerized (cloud-based) computing power, as well as by the ever-increasing generation and wide availability of data sets (on which the “learning” and development of AI systems depend).

Thus, in Tunisia today, we must look to the future, as we are an intelligent country, and we have no other chance than the intelligence of our youth, which is full of vitality and intelligence, to benefit from this new forward-looking gift.

Take, for example, the case of the use of artificial intelligence in robotics, which allows the imaging and “reading” of DNA molecules that bind to 68 billion points in two minutes, thus enabling every child to test for every possible genetic disease. All these and many other advances are made possible by the convergence of faster, cheaper and more computerized (cloud-based) computing power, as well as by the ever-increasing generation and wide availability of data sets (on which the “learning” and development of AI systems depend).

Thus, in Tunisia today, we must look to the future, and we are an intelligent country, and we have no other chance than the intelligence of our youth, which is full of vitality and intelligence, to benefit from this new forward-looking gift.

2 / How to get Tunisia in this open field today and in the closed club in the near future :

Tunisia should participate with friendly countries in the creation of smart cities with Tunisian capabilities, with advanced countries participating in the technology and to make the most of these technologies. I attended the Davos 2020 forum and I have been an eyewitness to countries that have agreed to move forward to develop these cities in secret.

In regulating this area, the state must not bite the dust and must strictly prohibit any young people involved in these projects from immigrating to work abroad for any reason whatsoever.

The UK House of Lords also endorsed this approach in its report “Artificial Intelligence in the United Kingdom: Ready, Willing, and Able“, as well as in a recent EU White Paper on Artificial Intelligence, which, among other things, outlines possible changes and improvements to the legislation. The current European Union faces specific risks for Amnesty International and we need to develop a law on artificial intelligence … (on the use of artificial intelligence in the health care sector) which is more appropriate because it offers a graceful, evidence-based approach that allows specific risks to be dealt with quickly.

With the significant increase in the frequency of technological innovations and production and their secrecy, our youth and our country must promote the development and absorption of artificial intelligence at the global level in an ethical, transparent and responsible manner with the invention of tools and applications adapted to the local market and export.