AI is advancing faster than safeguards: Obvia's Status report calls for progress in governance and regulation

Quebec City, May 22, 2025 – Obvia releases the second edition of its annual scientific report The State of Affairs on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology. This interdisciplinary report, structured around seven research areas, provides a snapshot of the current state of scientific research on the subject and highlights the growing – and still poorly regulated – effects of AI on our societies.

"This work aims to provide clear, well-documented reference points for all those closely monitoring technological developments. It reaffirms the importance of knowledge as a foundation for public debate and calls for collective vigilance in the face of potential abuses," said Lyse Langlois, Executive Director of Obvia.

A significant gap can be observed between the accelerated pace of technological development and the ability of legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep up. The persistence of biases, discrimination, and errors generated by AI models—combined with their lack of transparency—is gradually eroding public trust. The growing integration of these tools also raises fundamental questions about our collective technological dependence. This dependence is particularly evident in organizational settings, where AI-driven transformation challenges professional autonomy and undermines working conditions.

In light of these findings, education and training emerge as essential tools for the entire population.

Intersectoral discussion panel

To mark the release of this publication, a cross-sector discussion panel will be held on June 11. The discussion will bring together four leaders from organizations across various sectors, all impacted by the transformations driven by AI and digital technologies. The event will be followed by a networking cocktail with members of the Obvia community.
 

Attend the event           VIEW THE REPORT