Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
There is a possible future in which artificial intelligence drives inequality, inadvertently divides communities, and is even actively used to deny human rights. But there is an alternative future in which the ability of AI to propose solutions to increasingly complex problems is the source of great economic growth, shared prosperity, and the fulfilment of all human rights. This is not a spectator sport. Ultimately it will be the choices of businesses, governments, and individiauls which determines which path humanity takes.
Olly Buston, CEO, Future Advocacy
The field of artificial intelligence (AI), which refers to work processes of machines that would require intelligence if performed by humans, is evolving rapidly and is poised to grow significantly over the coming decade. Proponents believe that the further development of AI creates new opportunities in health, education, and transportation, will generate wealth and strengthen economies, and can be used to solve pressing social issues. Ongoing initiatives are exploring the use of machine learning in human rights investigations, to increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution, and address food insecurity, as a few examples.
On the other hand, replacing human intelligence with machines could fundamentally change the nature of work, resulting in mass job losses and increasing income inequality. Algorithm-based decision-making by companies could also perpetuate human bias and result in discriminatory outcomes, as they already have in some cases. The significant expansion of data collected and analysed may also result in increasing the power of companies with ownership over this data and threaten our right to privacy.
The rapid growth of AI also raises important questions about whether our current policies, legal systems, business due diligence practices, and methods to protect rights are fit for purpose. This section will feature the latest research and various perspectives about the implications of AI for human rights as this field continues to evolve.
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UK: Ethics incl. human & data rights should be at centre of AI regulation, says House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence report
Commentary: Failure to address discrimination in machine learning can reinforce systemic bias, says UNICEF Head of Innovation
Author: Erica Kochi, Business Insider
"Machines are making more and more decisions for us, but we need to teach them not to discriminate", 16 Mar 2018...
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New report outlines recommendations on integrating human rights into machine learning
Author: Global Future Council on Human Rights, World Economic Forum
"How to Prevent Discriminatory Outcomes in Machine Learning", Mar 2018...
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Commentary: Artificial intelligence can positively impact supply chain management if it internalises knowledge re human rights
Author: Emre Eren Korkmaz, University of Oxford
"How might artificial intelligence transform corporate sustainability policies?" 20 March 2018...
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Norway’s $1t fund raises ethical concerns about investments linked to AI
Author: Sveinung Sleire, Deal Street Asia
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Ethical framework for use of artificial intelligence in business includes transparency, accountability & respect for right to privacy
Author: Institute of Business Ethics
"Briefing: Business ethics and artificial intelligence," January 2018...
New study reveals racial bias in facial recognition software
Author: Steve Lohr, The New York Times
"Facial recognition is accurate, if you're a white guy," 9 February 2018...
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New issue of Ethical Corporation explores emerging social & economic impacts linked with AI
Author: Ethical Corporation
"Rise of the robots", Jan 2018...
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USA: Former Facebook & Google employees launch coalition to fight dangerous effects of technology
Author: Nellie Bowles, The New York Times
"Early Facebook and Google Employees Form Coalition to Fight What They Built", 4 Feb 2018...
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Dem. Rep. of Congo: Blockchain technology can help improve cobalt supply chain, say experts
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