The School of Information, Journalism and Communication, University of Sheffield
Responses
In your opinion, what outcomes would make the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance a success?
Clearer definition of roles for institutions in civil society, in particular of libraries as institutions that can play significant roles in AI development for all, by 1. Developing or licensing AI for library services 2. Inputting to the development and training of (public interest) AI 3. Advising library users on the choice and usage of safe and responsible AI services 4. Highlighting data, algorithmic and AI literacy as a dimension of information and wider digital literacy among users and the public 5. Advising on the use of AI within the wider organisation within which the library sits 6. Advocating for responsible uses of AI in society and appropriate regulation https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4034
From your perspective, which of the following thematic areas identified by the General Assembly Resolution 79/325 for the AI Dialogue reflect your priorities for urgent action and active engagement?
- AI capacity-building
- Protection and promotion of human rights
- Transparency, accountability, and human oversight
- Social, economic, ethical, cultural, linguistic and technical implications of AI
Please briefly explain your selection.
2
Understanding the implications of AI in all domains of activity is essential as a prior step to the protection of human rights. Ensuring transparency and accountability protects human agency. AI capacity building for all institutions and individuals (eg citizens and workers) is essential to ensure this.
In your opinion, are there any cross-cutting or emerging issues not captured by the listed themes above? If so, please explain.
2
All these priorities are linked. It is hard to imagine any being achieved without the others also being progressed. At the same time 1) more specificity is needed in terms of what needs to be done and by which social actors. 2) Let us also be specific about what types of organisation (such as Big Tech) and which governments (US, China), and which historic structures (colonialism/ coloniality - but many forms of discrimination) are a particular threat to the goal of equitable global benefit to AI. Technologies rarely promote equity - this is clearly the case with AI.
How are the governance gaps and related developments/advances in the thematic areas you selected above affecting your country, region, or sector? Please highlight the most significant challenges.
My government promotes AI development with a focus on doing so through technical skills. Wider publics among citizens and workers (at all levels) are neglected in this vision. AI threatens to widen the digital divide. The opportunity is to mobilise civil society actors to raise AI literacy at a population level. I would emphasise the role of libraries, but many other institutions can contribute. This needs coordination and endorsement.
What role can the AI Dialogue play in advancing international cooperation on AI governance?
Establishing a statement of principles and mechanisms which set a benchmark against which the selfish actions of some actors can be exposed.
What are some of the existing initiatives, partnerships, or mechanisms that the AI Dialogue should build upon or connect with, and what added value could the AI Dialogue bring?
I believe many organisations are thinking hard about their role at a sector level, eg libraries through IFLA. Promoting these roles internationally and in a coordinated way would be invaluable.
How can different stakeholders contribute to the AI Dialogue? Please share recommendations for the format and structure of the AI Dialogue.
Allow people to bring their own examples of experiences and concerns at individual or group level.
Which voices, communities, or perspectives are currently underrepresented in global discussions on AI governance? How could they be included?
Actively seeking out the viewpoints of groups such as indigenous peoples. The issues applies at national levels too in terms of digitally excluded social groups, such as the old or people with disabilities.
What innovative engagement formats could most effectively foster meaningful and dynamic engagement during the AI Dialogue?
Open online discussions organised by sector bodies.
Please share examples of policies, practices, platforms, or approaches that promote effective AI governance or offer concrete solutions to addressing its challenges.
1
I think entry point documents such as that I shared earlier (https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/4034) allow discussion at a local level to determine how to respond in different contexts. They set out key principles, define scenarios for discussion. I am sure there are very many examples for different sectors of activity that could be usefully shared.