Experts warn of AI data risks at Kuwait’s e-government forum, call for clear roadmap in digital transformation
On the second and final day of the 12th e-Government Forum, organized by the Federation of Engineering Offices and Consulting Houses in cooperation with Razen Company under the patronage of Minister of Communications Omar Al-Omar, experts highlighted Kuwait’s growing strides in digital transformation — particularly the shift from paper to digital data and the integration of artificial intelligence to improve public services.
Speakers noted that Kuwait is currently in the “reactive AI” stage but will soon advance to “proactive AI,” capable of analyzing data and making pre-emptive decisions to deliver services automatically.
Participants stressed the need for a comprehensive roadmap for AI adoption in the government sector, outlining challenges, stages of development, and mechanisms to ensure system resilience and accountability.
They warned that liability in AI-related errors has become increasingly complex, with potential for major losses.
A key concern raised was data security, as employees’ use of general AI tools for processing confidential government information could lead to leaks and breaches, compromising digital sovereignty. Experts cautioned that while regulated models like ChatGPT and Gemini block malicious use, unregulated ones could generate harmful code, posing serious cybersecurity threats.
Citing a report by MIIT, experts said 95% of AI initiatives in public and private institutions fail due to poor readiness, lack of training, incomplete data, and unclear goals.
The forum also discussed AI’s potential in cybersecurity, where intelligent systems can monitor traffic, detect anomalies, and prevent cyberattacks before escalation.
However, experts noted that financial institutions face mounting challenges — from the high costs of cybersecurity infrastructure to the rapid evolution of cyber threats — emphasizing that the financial incentive for hackers often outweighs that of the defenders.
