AIF Insights No. 7 (2025) | AI, Cyberspace, and ICTs: Untangling the Digital Universe

This paper explores the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyberspace, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), emphasizing the crucial role of society and human agency in defining and governing AI. While AI often mimics human cognition to aid decision-making, its development, application, and ethical oversight must remain rooted in human values and societal needs. The study underscores that ambiguous definitions and externally imposed technological frameworks risk creating legal and ethical gaps, particularly in developing nations. As AI becomes more embedded in critical infrastructures, this work calls for locally contextualized terminology, ethical governance, and inclusive policy-making that prioritizes human-centric outcomes. Integrated and harmonized governance—led by people, not just machines—remains key to shaping AI as a tool for societal good.