Governments that excessively regulate artificial intelligence are at risk of enduring severe and enduring consequences, as highlighted by Omar Al Olama, the world’s first minister of AI. The potential impact is so significant that it could lead a society down a path akin to the fate of the Ottoman Empire, which relinquished its position as a pioneer of progress by resisting the adoption of the printing press.
Addressing the Fortune Global Forum in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates cabinet official shared a cautionary historical anecdote. During the Middle Ages, the Islamic caliphate flourished as a center of civilization, attracting scholars worldwide and pioneering new disciplines such as algebra.
Nonetheless, in 1515, the empire’s rejection of the printing press resulted in a setback, as it turned away from mathematics and science, thereby forfeiting its status as a cultural hub. While Johannes Gutenberg’s invention in the 1450s democratized literacy by making books more accessible through mass production in the West, the Ottoman leadership in Istanbul viewed the printing press as a disruptive force to the established order.
Al Olama emphasized that the challenges policymakers currently confront regarding AI, including concerns about job displacement, misinformation, and societal unrest, mirror those faced by Sultan Selim I of the Ottoman Empire. Drawing a parallel to history, he underscored the adverse effects of over-regulating a transformative technology like the printing press.
The minister highlighted how the fear of job displacement and misinformation, similar to contemporary AI-related issues, influenced the Ottoman Empire’s decision to ban the printing press for two centuries. The reluctance stemmed from uncertainties about the technology’s implications for society, prompting a conservative approach.
Advocating for a balanced approach, Al Olama, recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in AI, emphasized the importance of governments safeguarding the interests of their citizens amid rapid technological advancements. He stressed the necessity for policymakers to equip themselves with the skills to regulate effectively, ensuring that the population is not left behind in the pursuit of progress.
Al Olama proposed the UAE’s strategy centered around the ‘three Rs’—reskill, retool, and retire. This approach aims to assist workers whose jobs may be disrupted by AI in transitioning to roles with ongoing demand, empowering those who remain in their current positions to leverage AI for enhanced productivity, and offering early retirement options for individuals unable to undergo retraining.
By fostering proactive engagement and providing individuals with choices, the UAE’s approach seeks to mitigate the impact of AI disruptions on the workforce. Al Olama emphasized the importance of proactive measures over reactive responses in navigating the evolving landscape of AI integration and workforce transformation.
