Meeting shines spotlight on internet safety

A public consultation in Winnipeg focused on enhancing internet safety and protecting users from potential risks. Around 50 individuals attended the event, expressing concerns regarding the existing literacy curriculum and website terms of service. Alan Campbell, a father of two and school trustee, highlighted the lack of understanding among average users about cookies and other tracking technologies.

Manitoba's Innovation and New Technology Department has enlisted KPMG to gather feedback and produce a report on AI use and cybersecurity incident reporting in the public sector. The Public Sector Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Governance Act mandates government entities to adhere to future regulations. Premier Wab Kinew has pledged to prevent youth aged 15 and younger from accessing AI chatbots and social media platforms.

Minister Mike Moroz, responsible for cybersecurity, addressed the question of how little Manitoba intends to hold major tech companies accountable. Moroz emphasized that they aim to establish appropriate guardrails, starting with the public sector. Attendees were not allowed to record the event, consistent with the cybersecurity theme.

Educators argued that curriculum and terms of service need improvement to help students comprehend AI and think critically about its implications. A middle school teacher emphasized the need for more resources to teach students about AI, while a University of Winnipeg researcher pointed out the deceptive nature of legalese-filled terms of service.

Moroz agreed that internet users should have the option to opt-out of personal data collection. He stressed that the process cannot involve numerous checked boxes. The Manitoba Teachers' Society had previously met with the minister and submitted recommendations, calling for explicit rules against using AI for evaluating members, making disciplinary decisions, and conducting employee surveillance in education.

Moroz highlighted the importance of soft skills in the AI boom and stressed that AI should complement, not replace, human judgment. The second event of a series will take place in Steinbach later this month, with another scheduled in Winnipeg.