The Rising Influence of Artificial Intelligence and the Need for Regulation:
By Chief Okoi Obono-Obla
May 16, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making tremendous waves globally as advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) reach new heights. AI-powered applications are now embedded in many smartphones, making this technology accessible to the average user. The intelligence exhibited by AI-driven systems often surpasses human capabilities in processing information, learning patterns, and performing complex tasks. AI can be deployed across industries, revolutionizing various facets of human endeavors—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and entertainment.
However, alongside AI’s remarkable benefits comes growing concern about its potential misuse. Without effective regulation, AI technologies, including deepfake applications, could be exploited by malicious individuals to harm society and destabilize institutions.
Deepfakes are synthetic media—images, videos, or audio recordings—generated using AI and machine learning techniques to convincingly replicate a person’s appearance, voice, or mannerisms. These highly realistic manipulations make it difficult to distinguish fake content from authentic material. Deepfakes have been weaponized for fraudulent activities, including impersonation scams, misinformation campaigns, and privacy breaches.
Some common deepfake applications include:
– Face-swapping: Replacing an individual’s face in images or videos with someone else’s.
– Synthetic voice cloning: Creating AI-generated audio that mimics a real person’s voice.
– Lip-syncing manipulation: Altering video or audio footage to make it appear as though someone is speaking words they never actually said.
Such deceptive technologies can pose a serious threat to national security, enabling cybercriminals to fabricate convincing fake media for espionage, sabotage, or misinformation.
Given these risks, it has become imperative for governments to explore the creation of comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate AI use. Establishing ethical guidelines, enforcing responsible AI development, and implementing verification mechanisms for digital content can help mitigate harmful applications while still fostering innovation. A balanced approach to AI governance will ensure that this transformative technology enhances human progress without compromising security and societal stability.
