The AI Ethics Brief #181: We're Stronger Together: Collective Action & AI Ethics

2024-10-01 · Source: The AI Ethics Brief · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, AI Ethics & Governance, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

The AI Ethics Brief #181 from the Montreal AI Ethics Institute (MAIEI) focuses on collective action in AI ethics, marking the return of the *State of AI Ethics Report* (SAIER) Part V. This edition explores initiatives across AI literacy, civil society, and government aimed at reclaiming decision power over AI. It highlights the importance of "critical AI literacy" as analyzed by Tania Duarte, and the growing influence of unionization in AI ecosystems, as noted by Ana Brandusescu. The brief also reintroduces its "Recess" series, featuring Kennedy O'Neil's analysis of ethical concerns regarding privacy and data collection in AI wearables. The publication emphasizes optimism and community strength in navigating the complexities of AI ethics in 2026, encouraging readers to engage with the *SAIER Volume 7* for a holistic understanding of the global AI ethics landscape.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and civil society leaders developing AI governance strategies, prioritize initiatives that foster collective action and critical AI literacy. Your efforts should focus on empowering communities to co-create and co-govern AI systems, rather than allowing power to concentrate. Emphasize accessibility improvements over tenuous productivity gains and build robust foundations, aligned systems, and trained personnel to support safe innovation.

Key insights

Collective action through literacy, civil society, and public sector engagement is crucial for ethical AI governance.

Principles

• AI literacy is a right, not a luxury.
• Civil society is central to ethical AI oversight.
• Indigenous thought can inform decolonial AI practices.

Method

Co-production models, like Taiwan's vTaiwan and Amsterdam's algorithm register, empower participants to learn by doing, review data, propose policies, and co-govern AI systems.

In practice

• Explore critical AI literacy frameworks.
• Consider unionization for AI governance.
• Implement OCAP® and CARE principles in AI.

Topics

• AI Ethics
• Collective Action
• AI Governance
• Data Privacy
• AI Literacy

Best for: AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, General Interest

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