NORTHERN MINDANAO – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 joins over 200 consumer groups in over 100 countries across the world in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day.

World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated every March 15 to raise global awareness on consumer rights, protection, and empowerment.

With the theme, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” the celebration focuses on the opportunities and risks for consumers on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Generative AI refers to AI that can generate unique and specific content such as text, images, video, or audio. When used properly, it can enhance consumer care and improve channels of redress.

However, it can also pose potential harm to consumers on consumer safety and digital fairness. For instance, generative chatbots can produce answers in natural language that appears like a human-written text. However, chatbots still frequently generate incorrect information which can put customers at risk.

With the emergence of AIs expected to revolutionize the way consumers seek information, there is a need to further strengthen the consumer’s right to accurate, trustworthy, and safe information. The same right to information should be transferred and applied in the use of generative AI.

In an era of mis- and dis-information, the celebration of World Consumer Rights Day calls for the consumer movement, influential actors, and consumers to further understand this breakthrough technology—generative AI—for a fair and responsible AI future. ♦

Date of Release: 12 March 2024