Yarr! A warnin' be given by a House Dem, claimin' AI might just become a vessel fer 'digital colonialism' if not guarded by 'inclusivity'.
2023-08-12
Avast ye scurvy dogs! A landlubber from the House o' Democrat has come forth with a fancy resolution, demandin' that the U.S. join hands with other nations in the Western Hemisphere to craft a grander artificial intelligence. Arr, let's sail this ship toward a more inclusive future, mateys!
A House Democrat, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, has raised concerns about the potential for "digital colonialism" if the U.S. does not take steps to ensure diversity and inclusion in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. He proposed a resolution during the August break that calls for a "regional" AI strategy that includes Western Hemisphere nations. The resolution argues that U.S.-led investments in AI development in the Western Hemisphere would promote the inclusion and representation of underserved populations, preventing dominance by a select few nations located outside the region.The resolution warns about the implications of allowing authoritarian regimes, without specifically naming China, to lead AI standards. It cautions against the possibility of "digital colonialism," where AI advancements developed by a few nations outside the Western Hemisphere would be controlled by them, leading to potential harm for vulnerable populations.
Espaillat, who was born in the Dominican Republic, emphasizes the importance of working with the rest of the Western Hemisphere to create a more equitable, responsible, and human-centric approach to AI. He believes that investing in AI in the region can lead to technologies that authentically reflect the diversity of societies and uphold fundamental human rights.
The resolution also highlights the potential for biases and inequities in AI development. It refers to research that shows certain AI algorithms can worsen race-based disparities, particularly in facial recognition programs. It stresses the need for AI systems that avoid biased outcomes and discriminatory effects.
While it is uncertain whether Espaillat's resolution will receive a vote in the GOP-led House, the Biden administration has been actively working on initiatives to develop safe and trustworthy AI systems that address biases. Last month, seven major AI developers agreed to White House goals in this area, and more guidance on AI is expected from the Biden administration.