SYED ADIL ABBAS

IAbbas, an MBA graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK), is currently based in Muscat, and has over 20 years of international experience working with the public and private sectors in the Middle East, Far East, Africa and India.

n today's technology-driven era, the increasing impact of smartphones and social media on our daily lives raises concerns about digital well-being. These devices and platforms, initially embraced for their connectivity and convenience, are now being scrutinised for their role in diminishing our ability to concentrate, undermining family interactions, and creating a dependency akin to addiction.

The gradual emergence of these issues has caught many by surprise, but the rapid progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has heightened the urgency to address them. Leading this effort is the European Union (EU), which is spearheading the development of the AI Act. This legislation, adopted by the European Parliament’s

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection on

February 13, 2024, is expected to be implemented in April 2024.

Upon ratification, the EU AI Act will become the world's first comprehensive law governing the use and advancement of AI. Meanwhile, other major economies such as the UK, the US, and China are pursuing diverse approaches to regulating AI.

We are now recognising the depth of influence algorithms have on our privacy, emotions, and even our grasp of reality. They can shape political outcomes, foster surveillance societies, and contribute to an economy where our attention, a finite resource, is the primary commodity. This realisation has sparked a consensus on the need to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, from the pervasive effects

of screen addiction and exposure to harmful content.

Moreover, there is a broader conversation about fundamentally changing our approach to data ownership and control. The concept of decentralised systems, where individuals have control over their data and a 'kill switch' to disable monitoring or usage, is gaining traction. This approach promises to safeguard personal data from unauthorised access by hackers. However, developing such systems requires substantial investment and commitment from governments, companies, and consumers alike.

Observing these global trends and regulatory efforts are crucial for Oman. We can learn from these developments and proactively adopt measures to safeguard our citizens' digital well-being. Enacting laws concerning AI and establishing an oversight agency for monitoring tech industry practices, along with investing in public awareness campaigns about the risks of excessive tech use, and encouraging ethical design practices among local tech companies could enhance digital well-being.

Some quick measures could include restricting infinite scrolls on social media feeds, auto-play functions, and unsolicited notifications.

Additionally, exploring partnerships with international bodies can help Oman to stay abreast of global regulatory trends and technological advancements, ensuring that its citizens derive benefits from technology while remaining shielded from its potential harms.