Assessing the adequacy of the computer misuse act in governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Uganda.

Abstract

This study examined the adequacy of the Computer Misuse Act Cap 96 (CMA) in governing the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Uganda. The increasing reliance on AI to combat cybercrime in Uganda has highlighted the need for a robust legal framework that not only addresses traditional cyber threats but also governs the ethical use of emerging technologies. Thus, the adequacy of the CMA was operationalized by concept of AI related tools, the legal framework governing ethical AI usage and the gaps in the legal framework. The existing CMA addresses conventional cyber offenses and does not adequately encompass the regulatory and ethical implications of AI use in combating cybercrime. These raised concerns as to whether the legal framework in the current situation in Uganda provides sufficient safeguards for the ethical use of technologies, and in particular, the use of AI in combating increased cybercrimes threats and other data privacy related issues, among others, which is why this research was undertaken. Despite the increasing recognition of AI systems, there is a limited body of research assessing how legal frameworks can mandate or support the development and implementation of bias mitigation measures specific to the field of cybercrime. The study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory research design. A cross-sectional design is appropriate for capturing data at a specific point in time, providing a snapshot of the variables under study. While AI has great potential, it also presents significant ethical challenges for governments, developers and users. These include accountability, data bias, transparency, and socio-economic concerns such as social inequality. In conclusion, AI is not effectively regulated in Uganda for several interrelated reasons but mainly lack of a proper legislation.