ITU stresses digital trust as foundation for ASEAN digital economy

Digital trust must serve as the foundation for the ASEAN digital economy to ensure public confidence in evolving technologies, online services, and artificial intelligence (AI), according to Sulyna Abdullah, Head of Strategic Planning and Membership at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Speaking at the M360 ASEAN event in Kuala Lumpur, Abdullah noted that while internet connectivity and digital services are improving, users face growing concerns regarding security, identity, fraud, and system resilience. The ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2030 aims to address these needs by fostering a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital economy.

The rise of AI presents new challenges, specifically the transition from AI that merely answers questions to AI agents capable of planning, acting, and making decisions autonomously. This shift raises complex questions regarding identity, accountability, and responsibility when transactions are performed by AI. The ITU is currently focusing on developing standards for human and AI agent identity to ensure meaningful human control and practical approaches to managing trust across borders.