National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula/SCREENGRABNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Commonwealth parliaments to take a more proactive role in regulating emerging technologies.
In a statement on Friday, he warned that rapid technological advancement, if left unchecked, could undermine democratic governance and social stability.
Speaking to India’s government-owned broadcaster Sansad TV on the sidelines of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Wetang’ula said legislatures across the Commonwealth must urgently align laws and policies with the pace of global technological change.
Wetang’ula singled out artificial intelligence and social media as areas requiring immediate legislative attention, noting their growing influence on elections, public discourse, and governance.
He said parliaments must not lag behind technological developments but instead provide leadership by enacting laws that protect citizens while encouraging innovation.
"I called on parliaments to enact strong regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and social media, to prevent abuse, manipulation and the distortion of democratic processes," he stated.
The Speaker noted that while innovation presents enormous opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development, it also carries significant risks if not guided by clear legal frameworks.
He appealed to Commonwealth member states to embrace emerging technologies as a catalyst for accelerating the digital revolution, boosting productivity, and expanding access to services.
"I have urged the Commonwealth to embrace emerging technologies as a driver of economic growth, sustainable development, and the acceleration of the digital revolution," the Speaker said.
However, he cautioned that technological progress must be balanced with responsibility and accountability.
He called on lawmakers to develop robust regulatory frameworks that promote ethical use of technology, safeguard data privacy, and prevent the misuse of digital platforms for misinformation and political manipulation.
Wetang’ula stressed that legislation should strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting fundamental rights, warning that failure to do so could reverse hard-won social and economic gains.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among Commonwealth countries, saying shared values and institutions place the bloc in a strong position to develop common approaches to emerging technological challenges.
In his remarks, the Speaker praised India for hosting the CSPOC meeting and commended its leadership within the Commonwealth parliamentary forum.
He noted that India’s experience in technological innovation and digital governance offers valuable lessons for other member states, particularly in leveraging technology to drive development while strengthening democratic institutions.
Wetang’ula further acknowledged India’s continued support to Commonwealth countries through the sharing of technological expertise and development experience.
He said such collaboration is essential as parliaments grapple with complex policy questions raised by rapid digital transformation.
"I also expressed my appreciation to India for hosting the conference, commending its leadership within the CSPOC and its continued support to member states through the sharing of technological innovation and development expertise," he said.
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