Artificial intelligence (AI) has led to important developments: from ChatGPT to facial recognition; many of us use it - increasingly often. We assume that the use of AI is reliable, safe and leads to greater objectivity.
However, nothing could be further from the truth: AI is designed and fed by people and it is also controlled by us. This means that AI, like humans, is subject to the same systemic biases and fallacies. Another important consideration concerns security and the lack of transparency: what kind of data is collected about us, and how is this data used?
The dangers of AI
There have already been several examples in the media where AI has gone wrong, with major adverse consequences. Consider, for example, the bias in facial recognition software, which is mainly trained to recognize white men and therefore does not correctly identify faces of women and especially men and women of color. And consider what consequences this has for, for example, online proctoring (digital surveillance to prevent fraud during tests and examinations). Another example is the role that AI has played in the benefits affair and the unlawful way in which personal data has been processed.
Inclusive Technology Week
To gain more insight into the dangers of AI, the Convergence AI, Data and Digitalization in collaboration with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Center is organizing an Inclusive Technology Week from October 24 to November 1 in which various themes will be highlighted.
On Tuesday, October 24, Oumaima Hajri will give a lecture on the ways in which artificial intelligence systems reflect and maintain inequalities in society. You can register here.
On Tuesday, October 31, there will be a lecture by Marianna Capasso, about ethics and discrimination in the context of algorithmic decision-making. You can register here.
Finally, on Wednesday, November 1, our Data Protection Officer Marlon Domingus will discuss various matters related to privacy, ethics and data protection. You can register here.
Everyone is welcome to register for these events. Please note that there are a limited number of places available, so be quick!