From education to complaints, artificial intelligence could provide great benefits by integrating into government processes. This was highlighted by Dennis Xiloj, partner of the Iito Commission of Agexportwho pointed out that, through Chatbots Based on artificial intelligence, the life of Guatemalans could be easier, in addition to helping the government to collect data to improve public policies.
Following an agreement between the artificial intelligence developer Gaia and the Open and Electronic Government Commission (GAE), a pilot test will be carried out in a government entity to evaluate software called Taino, created by Gaia. This system seeks to anticipate the needs of citizens and generate new forms of interaction between the population and the government through artificial intelligence, according to information provided to Free press By María Zaghi, member of the Observatory of the Technological Campus (Campustec).
After six months of proof with an entity, Zaghi mentioned that the formulation of an artificial intelligence strategy will begin, which defined as the set of rules established by the Government and that constitutes a step prior to the creation of laws focused on these issues. Genia, according to David Osorio, director of the GAE, would provide technical support in the elaboration of said strategy to facilitate the incorporation of the country to a HUB of innovation oriented to the public sector and civil society.
According to Zaghi, to attract a greater investment in technology, more than a law, a document that details Guatemala’s strategy in relation to artificial intelligence is necessary.
5 examples of ia that could work in Guatemala
According to Xiloj, with the implementation of artificial intelligence by the State, the Guatemalans could experiment:
- Input trays for direct communication with the government: Xiloj mentioned that, in more advanced countries in these technologies, they have developed Chatbots To communicate directly with the government and send consultations. From this interaction, he explained that it is possible to generate a summary of the areas or problems that require more attention and, thus, manage better public policies.
- Transparency in State Purchases: On the other hand, Xiloj indicated that artificial intelligence could be integrated into government purchase processes to prevent fraud and automate tax collection.
- Education: As an example, Xiloj recalled the educational crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, when public institution students did not receive quality education. He pointed out that, through artificial intelligence, an automated messaging system could be developed to give personalized follow -up to students and improve their academic performance, a solution that has already been tested in various universities.
- Less bureaucracy: By having artificial intelligence, Xiloj explained that the procedures could be carried out completely online, which would expedite the processes and reduce waiting times.
- Chatbots of complaints: Xiloj stated that artificial intelligence could be used in the creation of virtual “advisors” responsible for receiving complaints, which could be sent to the Public Ministry or other entities, such as the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing. He explained that, thanks to this system, it would be possible to report from a robbery to a pump on the road, generating statistics that improve safety and infrastructure.
However, Xiloj stressed that, to achieve these advances, It is essential to start implementing, understanding and using technology before regulating it. “Because we cannot, and we should not regulate before knowing what works and what does not work,” Xiloj said.
Integration of AI in Guatemala
Genia, according to Osorio, has also participated in the development of artificial intelligence strategies in other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, where part of the Taino system has already been implemented. In addition, Osorio stressed that Genia is a strategic ally of the Central American integration system (Sica).
Zaghi pointed out that the objective of this alliance is the creation of an artificial intelligence network that covers various countries, such as Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. “One of the objectives is for the Central American region to be synchronized in the adoption of artificial intelligence for the benefit of its citizens,” said Osorio.
Xiloj, regarding the regulation of technologies such as artificial intelligence, mentioned that, once these tests begin to give results and these are public and beneficial for the population, their regulation can be initiated. For Xiloj, first you must have the solution and evaluate the results obtained.
A relevant point indicated by Zaghi was the sustainability of the project, since, according to the member of the Observatory of the Campustecthe development of the system requires a considerable amount of resources. On the other hand, Osorio argued that the signed agreement does not contemplate any financial cost.