SDAIA President Unveils 'State of AI in Saudi Arabia' Report

The report, titled "The State of AI in Saudi Arabia," examines the development of AI technologies in the country over the past five years (2019-2023). SPA
The report, titled "The State of AI in Saudi Arabia," examines the development of AI technologies in the country over the past five years (2019-2023). SPA
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SDAIA President Unveils 'State of AI in Saudi Arabia' Report

The report, titled "The State of AI in Saudi Arabia," examines the development of AI technologies in the country over the past five years (2019-2023). SPA
The report, titled "The State of AI in Saudi Arabia," examines the development of AI technologies in the country over the past five years (2019-2023). SPA

President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi has unveiled a report detailing the Kingdom's advancements in AI.

The report, titled "The State of AI in Saudi Arabia," examines the development of AI technologies in the country over the past five years (2019-2023). It highlights Saudi Arabia's efforts in the field, which have garnered international recognition.

The report, which was unveiled during a press conference at the Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit), outlines seven key pillars that underpin Saudi Arabia's progress: policies and regulations, investment, infrastructure, data, talent and human capabilities, research and innovation, and adoption.

It emphasizes SDAIA's role in leading the nation's digital transformation and advancing the national data and AI agenda. This includes promoting AI adoption across government entities, raising public awareness, developing a robust strategy, and fostering the utilization of data and AI technologies throughout the Kingdom.

The report reflects SDAIA's commitment to fostering data-driven capabilities and continuous innovation in the field of AI. It aims to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leader amongst data-driven and AI-powered economies of the future.

The report also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the latest global trends in AI and showcasing Saudi Arabia's achievements in raising awareness and educating society on the transformative potential of AI in serving humanity.



Australia Ditches Plans to Fine Tech Giants for Misinformation

Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed logo of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2021. (Reuters)
Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed logo of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2021. (Reuters)
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Australia Ditches Plans to Fine Tech Giants for Misinformation

Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed logo of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2021. (Reuters)
Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta is seen on a smartphone in front of displayed logo of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2021. (Reuters)

Australia has ditched plans to fine social media companies if they fail to stem the spread of misinformation, the country's communications minister said Sunday.

The proposed legislation outlined sweeping powers to fine tech companies up to five percent of their yearly turnover if they breached new online safety obligations.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said she had dumped the bill after running into significant opposition in the country's senate.

"Based on public statements and engagements with senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the senate," she said in a statement.

The proposed bill notably drew the ire of tech baron Elon Musk, who in September likened the Australian government to "fascists".

Australia has been at the forefront of global efforts to regulate the tech giants.

The government will soon roll out a nationwide social media ban for children under 16.

Social media companies could be fined more than US$30 million if they fail to keep children off their platforms, under separate laws tabled before Australia's parliament on Thursday.