A recent study on Kenya and South Africa reveals that media coverage of artificial intelligence is limited to two topics: business opportunities and security. The real social impact, such as changes in employment, digital health, or citizen privacy, is completely left out of the news focus.
The algorithm that watches you, but doesn't inform you 🔍
The research analyzed hundreds of articles in local media. Most deal with AI as a tool for detecting fraud or predicting crimes. However, there is almost no content explaining how facial recognition systems or hiring algorithms affect people without access to data. The information gap is technical: efficiency is discussed, but not biases or personal data protection.
AI for everyone, except to tell you how it works 🤖
It seems AI in Africa is like an exclusive club: it's only talked about if money or cameras are involved. For the rest, artificial intelligence is that vague rumor that, according to experts, will take your job, but no one explains why. Meanwhile, citizens are still waiting for an article that doesn't start with million-dollar investment or end with arrested by algorithm.