At Google, we are deeply committed to fostering a successful digital ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa. To achieve this goal, it\’s critical that we work closely with policymakers and regulators to ensure that technology meets the needs of individuals and businesses. Last July, I had the honor of hosting the Google MENA Regulator Academy in London, an event that provided insights into the complexities of digital governance and the opportunities ahead.
A shared vision for a digital future
The Academy brought together a diverse group of policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa, united by a shared goal: to provide a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding the interests of society. We hosted several interactive presentations, workshops, and discussions that explored the latest technological developments and their applications in regulatory development, focusing on key areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, content moderation, and competition. The open exchange of ideas and perspectives fostered a collaborative spirit that is essential to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
The inevitability of artificial intelligence
One of the most important issues we discussed at the Academy was the popularity of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. AI is currently changing the face of all industries and societies around the world, and its impact is likely to be profound in the Middle East and North Africa region as well. With the rapid development of AI, ethical concerns and regulatory challenges arise that require careful consideration. The Academy provided a forum for in-depth discussions on the responsible development and advancement of AI technologies, focusing on the need for transparency, accountability, and human oversight. At Google, we are committed to developing AI technologies responsibly and working with regulators and policymakers to ensure everyone benefits from these technologies.
Building Partnerships to Move Forward Together
The Google MENA Regulator Academy was a learning experience and an opportunity to build relationships and initiate partnerships. I am confident that the relationships forged through the Academy will result in meaningful dialogue and collaborative initiatives that will reshape the digital landscape in the Middle East and North Africa region in the coming years.
Future plan
As a technology leader, Google is committed to its responsibility to contribute to the development of sound digital policies and regulatory frameworks. Earlier this year, Google launched the \” AI Sprinters \” report, which provides a roadmap for countries and policymakers to help them leverage the potential of AI. The report focuses on four policy drivers, each encompassing a broad spectrum of public-private actions:
- Revolutionize infrastructure by fully adopting cloud-first policies to ensure AI technologies are widely and comprehensively available.
- Supporting individuals with national initiatives based on artificial intelligence skills to initiate artificial intelligence education and qualify the workforce capable of using it.
- Updating national data systems regulations to better utilize existing data, improve public services, and enable effective AI model training programs in local markets.
- Supporting AI-enhanced systems by adopting a balanced, risk-based approach and implementing national AI strategies that focus on enhancing AI technologies to achieve core objectives for the public interest.
The information we gained through the MENA Regulator Academy will help us engage thoughtfully with regulators and policymakers in the region, ensuring our products and services meet local needs and priorities. I am excited about the possibilities ahead and committed to working with all stakeholders to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future in the Middle East and Africa.