E-Business
The Onslaught of Artificial Intelligence (AI) part 3
By Evans Woherem, Ph.D
- The Ethical Implications of Giving AGI a Human-Like Brain
Are we trying to give AGI a human-like brain and make it self-aware? This seems to be what we are doing, advertently or inadvertently. The question of whether to give AGI self-awareness and consciousness is a contentious issue.
Some argue that replicating and understanding human intelligence is a crucial step for AGI to perform tasks such as creativity, empathy, and moral reasoning. Others argue that it is unnecessary and even dangerous, as the actions of a self-aware AGI are uncertain, and it could lead to unintended consequences.
It is important to consider the ethical and moral concerns that arise from the development of AGI with a human-like brain, including the entity’s rights and obligations, and society’s treatment of it.
Isaac Asimov, a science fiction author and biochemist, was one of the first to explore these ethical issues in his famous “Three Laws of Robotics” in which he proposed guidelines for the safe and ethical use of robots and AI.
These laws include the prohibition on robots harming humans, the requirement for robots to obey human orders, and the obligation of robots to protect their existence as long as it does not contradict the first two laws.
Asimov’s laws provide a useful framework for considering the ethical implications of AGI, and his work continues to be relevant today as we grapple with the ethical challenges posed by the development of AGI.
It is important for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to carefully consider these ethical implications as AGI technology continues to advance and to ensure that AGI systems are developed with a clear understanding of their limitations and potential risks.
Therefore, it is important for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to carefully consider these ethical implications as AGI technology continues to advance and to ensure that AGI systems are developed with a clear understanding of their limitations and potential risks.
The Ethical and Societal Implications of Global Human Consciousness
The concept of a global human consciousness, or a “world brain,” refers to the idea that advancements in technology, particularly AI and the internet, are allowing for the collective intelligence of humanity to be harnessed in a way that has never been possible before. With the advent of technology like ChatGPT, which allows for easy access to information and the ability to ask questions, it is becoming increasingly possible for individuals to access and share knowledge on a global scale.
The world is now aware of what GPT-3 is capable of doing! Imagine what happens when it’s upgraded to GPT-4 and then GPT-10. We’ve been told that GPT-4, once completed, would be 500 times more competent than GPT-3.
Today, students may use ChatGPT to produce essays, term papers, and even theses. Professors have started utilizing GPT to edit the chapters they have written and even to help with book chapter composition. Every organization can now use GPT to accomplish practically everything, potentially reducing the need for human personnel.
When I look at a new technology that has been invented in our attempts to build an AGI, like ChatGPT, I believe it appears we want to build a “world brain”, which can be used for both good and ill.
ChatGPT has an excellent level of human-to-human communication. It can be as plain as many people usually are in conversations, yet it can also get as technical as others might want. Any question you ask will have an intelligent response, so feel free to ask anything.
It can be your research assistant, write essays for you, draw pictures, and write poems for you, and so on. Individuals can now utilize it for free via the internet. It could replace search engines in applications like Google and Facebook and provide all the answers to questions in applications like Quora.
Building a “world brain” is a goal shared by many organizations besides OpenAI. Numerous other research facilities are working to create a world brain, both in the West and in other nations like China and Japan.
They are all doing so, perhaps unwittingly or unconsciously, working to develop systems with narrow domains such as chatbots, language synthesis systems, language generation systems, and deep learning systems.
Some of them have the explicit goal of developing AGI. However, the development of a global human consciousness raises important questions about the nature of human identity, agency, and autonomy.
Moreover, there is a societal implication that, if not properly addressed, could lead to a widening of the digital divide and further marginalization of certain groups. Access to and control over information, technology, and resources will be crucial to ensure a fair distribution of benefits and opportunities in the world
- Africa, AI, and Other Exponential Techs
In all of the above, where is Africa? Why is there a deafening silence on all of the promethean-level technologies in Africa? Why does Africa continue to adopt a “follow-follow” mentality? Why does Africa think that the world is only meant for some others to recreate without its input? Whatever eventually becomes the world, unfortunately, Africa will also be immersed in it.
Africa is so busy with its day-to-day existential issues, along the lines of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to the point that the business of rethinking the world and our existence is left to others, particularly the conceptual West, to do on behalf of humanity. My concern is that it is only a few in the West, such as the AI intelligentsia, who are trying to recreate the world and human existence.
They seem to have an unspoken agenda, an atheistic agenda, an anti-God agenda, an agenda that wants to build a new Tower of Babel, and, an agenda that wants to create a new version of humanity. Does Africa agree with their agendas?
It is important for Africa to also be a part of these conversations and developments in technology, as it will ultimately affect the continent just as much as any other region. Africa should not be left behind in the shaping of the future, and should actively participate in the rethinking of the world and our existence.
It is also important to consider the potential consequences and ethical implications of these technologies and to have a diverse range of perspectives and voices involved in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, Africa should also take into account its values and beliefs, and ensure that they are not being overlooked or disregarded in the pursuit of technological advancement.
- Control and Regulation of AI
The control and regulation of AI refers to the various measures put in place to ensure the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence technology.
This can include guidelines for the development and deployment of AI systems, as well as laws and regulations that govern the use of AI in specific industries or applications. Some of the key concerns that are addressed through AI regulation include issues related to privacy, security, and the potential for AI to impact jobs and the economy.
Additionally, there are also ethical concerns related to AI, such as the potential for AI to perpetuate bias or make decisions that negatively impact certain groups of people.
Several guidelines have been proposed for the development and deployment of AI systems, including explainability and transparency, fairness and non-discrimination, human oversight, safety and robustness, privacy and security, continuous monitoring and improvement, accountability, human rights, societal and environmental well-being, and human-centred values.
These guidelines aim to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI, but there is no one regulatory body overseeing their implementation.
There are currently a limited number of laws and regulations specifically governing the use of AI, but as the technology continues to advance and its impact on society becomes more significant, more laws and regulations are likely to be developed. Some examples of existing laws and regulations that govern the use of AI in specific industries or applications include:
- Health Care: The US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulates the use of AI in healthcare by protecting the privacy and security of patient data.
- Finance: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union regulates the use of AI in finance by protecting the privacy and personal data of individuals.
- Autonomous vehicles: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has issued guidance on the safe testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles, which includes requirements for data recording and sharing, cybersecurity, and human oversight.
- Employment: Many countries have laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace, which can apply to AI systems used in the hiring process or the management of employees.
These are just a few examples, regulations may vary from country to country, and it is important to keep in mind that laws and regulations are always changing as technology advances and society’s understanding of it evolves.
- Conclusion
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is expected to have a significant impact on how we live and work. Many people look at the development of AI with a positive outlook, I share that sentiment but also with concerns. I believe that it is like opening a box of unknown consequences that humanity will regret.
I am worried that there are no worldwide regulations and control systems in place to govern the design, development, and application of AI. Without these, we can’t ensure that AI will be safe for humanity. Moreover, I do not see any significant efforts being put into implementing Asimov’s laws of robotics, which could be used to ensure safety features are built into AI systems.
The ethical implications of AI must be taken into account by society, and its creation and application must be consistent with human values. This may involve creating regulations and guidelines for the use of AI, as well as investing in retraining programs to assist individuals whose jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI.
Overall, the integration of AI is a complex issue that requires a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and risks of this technology. It is essential for society to have open and honest conversations about the implications of AI and to collaborate to ensure that its development and use align with human values and promote the well-being of all individuals.
Woherem is a highly respected industry professional and alumnus of Harvard Business School, wrote in from Abuja, Nigeria
Fifty selected young unemployed Nigerians have completed a four-week intensive digital skills bootcamp under the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, gaining practical training in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IT Essentials.
The programme, a collaborative effort between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco, was hosted at NITDA’s South West Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa , the Head of the South West Zonal Office, Mrs. Chioma Okee-Agugwo, described the initiative as a vital component of Nigeria’s digital future. “This is not just a closing ceremony. It is the launchpad for new journeys—anchored in digital knowledge and powered by innovation,” she remarked.
According to the Director General, the initiative is rooted in NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and reflects key focus areas including Digital Literacy, Emerging Technologies, and Youth Empowerment. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, innovation, and skills development.
Inuwa noted that the DL4ALL initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader commitment to digital inclusion—ensuring that no one is left behind in the evolving digital economy. It also supports the ambitious goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. This national vision aims to equip millions of Nigerians with the skills required to thrive in a tech-driven world.
He further emphasized the importance of empowering youth with globally relevant skills. “They are no longer just consumers of technology. They are creators, innovators, and future employers,” he said.
The NITDA boss explained that throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and digital leadership capabilities.
“This is only the beginning,” he stated. “Through our zonal strategy, we are bringing innovation closer to local communities. This is how we democratise access and unlock Nigeria’s full digital potential.”
Inuwa expressed appreciation to Cisco for delivering high-impact training and called on stakeholders to continue investing in partnerships, people, and platforms that drive digital inclusion.
He asserted that the newly certified participants are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy—armed with the skills to build solutions, secure infrastructure, and launch tech ventures that solve real-world problems.
At the end of the bootcamp, participants demonstrated their knowledge through impressive presentations that showcased the integration of skills acquired across Data Science, AI, and IT Essentials. Many spoke passionately about how the programme had expanded their technical competence and sparked a drive to create job opportunities—not only for themselves but also for others—as entrepreneurs and digital solution providers in their communities.
Coinbase forecast a hit of between $180m and $400m from a cyberattack that breached account data of a “small subset” of its customers, the crypto exchange said in a regulatory filing on Thursday.
The company received an anonymous email on May 11, claiming to have information about certain customer accounts as well as internal documents.
While some data — including names, addresses and emails — was stolen, the hackers did not get access to login credentials or passwords, Coinbase said.
Still, it will reimburse customers who were tricked into sending funds to the attackers.
Hackers had paid multiple contractors and employees working in support roles outside the US to collect information.
The company has fired those involved, it said.
Separately, the New York Times reported that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was investigating whether the company had misstated its user numbers.
Coinbase shares extended losses after the report and were last down 6.5%.
“This is a hold-over investigation from the prior administration about a metric we stopped reporting two-and-a-half years ago, which was fully disclosed to the public,” said Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s chief legal officer.
“While we strongly believe this investigation should not continue, we remain committed to working with the SEC to bring this matter to a close.”
The SEC declined to comment.
The latest developments come days before the company is set to join the benchmark S&P 500 index, casting a shadow over what was expected to be a landmark moment for the crypto industry.
Security remains a challenge for the crypto industry despite its growing mainstream acceptance.
In February, Bybit disclosed a hack in which about $1.5bn worth of digital tokens were stolen — widely described the biggest crypto heist ever.
“The cyberattack may push the industry to adopt stricter employee vetting and introduce some reputational risks,” said Bo Pei, an analyst at US Tiger Securities.
Funds stolen by hacking crypto platforms amounted to $2.2bn in 2024, according to a report from Chainalysis, a US-based blockchain analysis firm.
“As our nascent industry grows rapidly, it draws the eye of bad actors, who are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the scope of their attacks,” said Nick Jones, founder of crypto firm Zumo.
Coinbase has refused to pay a ransom of $20m demanded by the attackers and is working with law enforcement agencies. Instead it has established a $20m reward for information on the hackers.
The company is also opening a new support hub in the US and taking other measures to prevent such cyberattacks, it said.
The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) presents its report on .ng domain name registration and renewal statistics for the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the continued expansion of Nigeria’s digital footprint. The data underscores a consistent and significant adoption of the nation’s Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), reinforcing its pivotal role in the burgeoning Nigerian digital economy.
During the period spanning January to March 2025, a total of 40,791 .ng domain names were recorded. This figure comprises 22,236 new registrations and 18,555 renewals, indicating a healthy balance between the acquisition of new digital identities and the sustained commitment of existing domain name holders to their online presence.
Analysis of the registration trends within the quarter reveals a notable upward trajectory, with a 13.92% increase in domain name registrations observed between February and March 2025.
This growth signifies an increasing recognition of the importance of a localized online identity by a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals, startups, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and larger organizations.
Notably, the .com.ng extension continues to be the dominant choice, accounting for over 60% of both new registrations and renewals. This reaffirms its status as the preferred domain name extension for Nigerian businesses seeking to establish a credible and locally relevant online brand presence while maintaining global accessibility. The sustained popularity of .com.ng underscores its perceived value among Nigerian entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking to secure their digital real estate.
This upward trajectory isn’t happening by chance. The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has remained intentional in its drive for digital inclusion and domain adoption. Through public education, training via the .ng Academy, outreach campaigns, and partnerships with stakeholders across the tech ecosystem, NiRA has consistently advocated for the importance of owning a local domain. The current standing of .ng as the second most registered ccTLD in Africa reflects the efficacy of these efforts.
Digital adoption in Nigeria is no longer just about being online—it’s about owning your digital identity. And with a .ng domain, Nigerians are better positioned to assert that identity, connect with local and international audiences, and gain better control over their digital footprints.
As we look toward the rest of 2025, the Q1 results serve as a strong signal: more people are embracing the digital future, and the .ng domain is increasingly becoming their first step.
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