Private companies developing advanced AI require government oversight to balance profit incentives with societal well-being. OpenAI’s attempt at self-governance failed, highlighting the need for external regulation. Governments must implement transparency requirements and incident-tracking to ensure responsible AI development. Past experiences with internet regulation show the importance of judicious regulation to strike the right balance between innovation and societal protection.
Nestle’s practice of adding sugar to infant formula sold in poorer countries, while excluding it from products sold in Europe and the UK, highlights the lack of corporate concern for public health in the absence of government regulation. Despite promoting its products as ‘healthy,’ Nestle’s actions align with a broader pattern of false health claims by food companies. This revelation follows a recent move by the Indian government to prohibit e-commerce platforms from categorizing beverages like Bournvita as ‘health drinks,’ as they often contain high sugar content. Despite concerns about childhood obesity and noncommunicable diseases, beverage companies continue to advertise aggressively to children. A study of protein powders in India revealed misleading protein information and contamination with fungal toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), responsible for regulating these products, lacks transparency in its enforcement actions, undermining its ability to deter violations. Public health advocates have long criticized the excessive sugar, sodium, and chemical additives in ultra-processed foods, as well as contamination with heavy metals and pesticides in so-called ‘healthy’ foods. Social media has become a significant channel for promoting such products, often through influencers who conceal their affiliations with the companies.
During the pandemic, a shortage of foreign domestic helpers led to increased demand, allowing them to secure better salaries and job opportunities. While this is a fundamental aspect of a free job market, it has raised concerns among employers who view it as an abuse of contract termination rights. The government plans to introduce a code for employment agencies to address the issue.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has called for government control over the ownership of certain aggressive dog breeds, including pit bulls and boerboels. The decision follows a surge in dog attacks in the country, with numerous cases of people being bitten or mauled. The government has tasked relevant ministries with regulating the breeding and ownership of these dogs. This move is part of a larger trend across Africa, with several countries enacting measures to control aggressive breeds and prevent dog attacks.
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, leading to a surge in legal wagering across the United States. While betting companies portray themselves as harmless fun, the ubiquity of their advertisements and the use of risk-free promotional offers have lured many into a dangerous game. Studies have shown that young men are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling addictions, and the industry actively targets them with aggressive marketing campaigns. Despite the risks, state governments continue to legalize betting in an effort to boost tax revenue. Experts argue that targeted regulation is needed to balance the interests of bettors with the potential social costs of widespread gambling.
