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
Commentary: A bill of data rights is needed to protect freedom of expression & privacy in the digital age
Author: Martin Tisne, MIT Technology Review
"It's time for a bill of data rights," 14 Dec 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence Technology and Human Rights: Digital Freedom
- Related companies: Apple Facebook Microsoft
Author: Le Monde (France)
« Reconnaissance faciale : Amazon, Microsoft et Google sommés de ne pas vendre leur technologie aux Etats », 16 janvier 2019...
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- Related companies: Alphabet Amazon.com Google (part of Alphabet) Microsoft
USA: Investors file resolutions with companies at risk for human rights violations due to govt. contracts related to immigration
In December 2018, investor members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility launched a corporate campaign focused on a group of six companies across the private prison, e-commerce, banking and defense sectors, deemed at risk for human...
USA: Immigrants disproportionately subjected to surveillance, raising concerns regarding privacy & discrimination
Author: Sophie Haigney, Pacific Standard
"Not all surveillance is created equal," 7 Jan 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence Technology and Human Rights: Digital Freedom
- Related companies: Vigilant Solutions
Author: The Intercepter (Brasil)
“Especialistas em inteligência artificial emitem alerta urgente contra reconhecimento facial”, 4 de janeiro de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Technology and Human Rights Technology and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence
Author: AFP
« Les géants de l'intelligence artificielle sauront s'autoréguler, dit Google », 12 décembre 2018...
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Amnesty Intl. finds high levels of online abuse of women on Twitter; incl. company comments
Following the launch of its "Toxic Twitter" report in March 2018, Amnesty International launched Troll Patrol, a global crowdsourcing effort to demonstrate the scale and nature of abuse that women continue to experience on Twitter. In collaboration...
Commentary: It is high time to bind new technology to basic constitutional principles in order to protect human rights, democracy and rule of law
Author: Paul Nemitz, The Royal Society Publishing
"...The principle of rule of law, democracy and human rights by design in AI is necessary because on the one hand the capabilities of AI, based on big data and combined with the pervasiveness of devices and sensors of the Internet of things, will...
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Microsoft adopts ethical principles on facial recognition technology & pushes for govt. regulation
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