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.
Related stories and components
Google introduces 'Artificial Intelligence principles' that prohibit its use in weapons & human rights abuses
In March 2018, Google announced that it had partnered with the Pentagon on an initiative known as "Project Maven" to help it analyze and interpret drone videos via artificial intelligence. In response, over 4,000 Google employees signed a letter calli...
Global AI Experts sign agreement aimed at avoiding dangers of artificial intelligence
Author: CommonDreams
"World's Artificial Intelligence Experts Sign Pledge Aimed at Averting 'Dystopian Future With Robots Flying Around Killing Everybody'"...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: DeepMind Technologies Ltd Google (part of Alphabet) Skype (part of Microsoft) SpaceX Tesla Motors
Google introduces 'AI principles' that prohibit its use in weapons & human rights abuses
Author: Devin Coldewey, TechCrunch
"Google's new 'AI principlies' forbid its use in weapons and human rights violations", June 7 2018...
- Related stories: Google will not renew contract with US Defense Department following employee objections
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: Google (part of Alphabet)
Commentary: Govt. strategies on AI fail to adequately address human rights risks
Author: Emre Eren Korkmaz, OpenGlobalRights
"Without binding rules, AI guidelines are just wishful thinking", 27 June 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
Amazon workers oppose sale of the co's technology to US immigration
Author: Anthony Cuthbertson, The Independent
"AMAZON WORKERS 'REFUSE' TO BUILD TECH FOR US IMMIGRATION, WARNING JEFF BEZOS OF IBM'S NAZI LEGACY", 22 June 2018...
- Related stories: Shareholders & civil society groups urge Amazon to halt sale of facial recognition software to law enforcement agencies
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: Amazon.com IBM
Commentary: Human rights have been peripheral in debate on impacts of artificial intelligence, despite significant added value
Author: Christiaan van Veen & Corinne Cath, Data & Society
"Artificial Intelligence: What’s Human Rights Got To Do With It?", 14 May 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: IBM Microsoft
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights to focus mandate on safeguarding rights in the era of AI
Author: Dunja Mijatović, Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe
"Safeguarding human rights in the era of artificial intelligence", 3 July 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: Alphabet Facebook Google (part of Alphabet) YouTube (part of Alphabet)
Author: Morgane Tual, Le Monde (France)
Eric Horvitz, le directeur du centre de recherche de [Microsoft], répond aux questions éthiques imposées par les récents progrès de l’intelligence artificielle....
- Related stories: La protection des droits de l'Homme à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle : réflexions du Conseil de l'Europe et de Microsoft
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
- Related companies: Microsoft
