IGF 2019 WS #418 Digital colonisation and artificial intelligence

Description: Artificial intelligence is not only a reality, but a trendy subject of study in much of the world, and a concern for human rights advocates. A large part of the efforts by academics, social scientists and civil society in the last several years has attempted to reach an ideal set of principles to govern AI, including conditions of transparency and accountability. Simultaneously, many stakeholders are trying not to stifle the ongoing development of machine learning and automated decision-making systems, under the notion that they are a key component of the present and future economy in the digital age. But for all of the lecturing and posturing, these same systems, as have many other data processing schemes throughout history, have been sold, implemented and imposed on Global South populations, without any of those concerns for balance taking its place front and centre. Dazzled by the new, impressed by the possibilities of modernity and participation in the digital age, many governments in developing countries are turning to AI "solutions", as clients of big companies that offer such solutions in search of problems; in parallel, scarce resources are given for local development of AI, without the enriching discussion that has taken place in the north. In a global economy dominated by companies amassing and processing large amounts of information, including personal data from billions of people in the Global South, what kind of concerns are valid for Global South economies? And how can we foster a more inclusive global economy, in terms of innovation, competition, and the respect for human rights and the interests of less powerful communities?

Expected Outcomes: The session aims to place some light on the tension between the existing developments in machine learning and automated decision-making systems in industrial economies, and its counterparts in global south countries. Its ideal outcomes include a better understanding of the issues faced outside the industrialised nations when addressing the acquisition or implementation of AI technologies, and its impacts on the population of developing countries.