The AI Ethics Brief #189: The Futures We Make Room For

2026-04-28 · Source: The AI Ethics Brief · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Ethics & Governance · Depth: Intermediate, long

Summary

The AI Ethics Brief, published bi-weekly by the Montreal AI Ethics Institute (MAIEI), highlights the upcoming "Crafting Participatory Tech Futures" workshop at ACM FAccT 2026 in Montreal (June 25-28). This workshop, a collaboration between MAIEI, RAIN, We and AI, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, aims to engage participants in collectively imagining and building AI futures, challenging the notion of AI as an inevitable force. The brief also reflects on the evolving terminology of "AI ethics," "responsible AI," "AI safety," and "AI governance," questioning if these terms adequately encompass the necessary future-facing and participatory work. Additionally, it features an "AI Policy Corner" analysis, in partnership with GRAIL at Purdue University, detailing how U.S. cities are developing local AI governance policies, including guiding principles, prohibited applications, and intercity collaborations.

Key takeaway

For AI ethicists and policymakers grappling with the future direction of AI, recognize that the language used to define the field significantly impacts what is considered possible and who holds power. Actively engage in participatory frameworks, like the "Crafting Participatory Tech Futures" workshop, to move beyond reactive governance and instead proactively shape AI development based on community-defined values and desired outcomes, rather than accepting industry-driven inevitabilities.

Key insights

AI futures are not inevitable; they are shaped by collective deliberation, contested ideas, and community-driven construction.

Principles

• AI futures are imagined, contested, and built through participation.
• Language shapes what is imaginable and possible in AI governance.
• Local governments are crucial in frontline AI governance.

Method

The "Crafting Participatory Tech Futures" workshop uses futures-thinking frameworks, themed discussions on lived experiences and values, and collaborative articulation of pathways to desirable technological futures.

In practice

• Engage in futures-thinking frameworks to challenge AI inevitability.
• Scrutinize AI terminology to ensure it supports desired outcomes.
• Participate in local AI governance discussions and policy development.

Topics

• AI Ethics
• Participatory Tech Futures
• AI Governance
• Responsible AI
• ACM FAccT Conference

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Research Scientist

Related on AIssential

• The AI Ethics Brief #181: We're Stronger Together: Collective Action & AI Ethics — Collective action through literacy, civil society, and public sector engagement is crucial for ethical AI governance.
• Quoting Corey Quinn — Vendor lobbying can profoundly influence global ethical frameworks, even at the highest religious levels.
• "Taking Stock at FAccT": Using Participatory Design to Co-Create a Vision for the Fairness, Accountability and Transparency Community — Participatory design effectively shaped the future governance of the ACM FAccT conference.
• Book Club discussion on “The AI Paradox: How to Make Sense of a Complex Future” — AI development is a human challenge requiring broad responsibility and careful consideration of its societal, educational, and material impacts.
• The AI Ethics Brief #180: Emerging Tech with Established Issues — Emerging AI technologies necessitate transparency and explainability to address new ethical challenges and preserve human agency.
• What can 160-million-year-old clay tell us about AI and ethics? Inside Es Devlin’s tech and pottery summit — Engaging diverse perspectives through tactile, collaborative experiences can foster deeper dialogue on complex ethical issues like AI.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The AI Ethics Brief.