AT the conclusion of Computex 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) was front and center–its power being said to be the next frontier in computing and crucial to the leapfrog further into Industry 4.0.
“Whoever has the computing power will grasp the future AI trend,” Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA said as he presented the H100 and the world’s first accelerated computing processor, called Grace Hopper, essentially an AI chip. The fact that any device will be able to perform AI calculations in the future will completely change the way of human communication and interaction and even the way of life.
Generative AI adoption grows at record-setting speeds and at the same time computing demands–brought about by other technologies like 5G, massive applications used by Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automated driving have increased. Technology updates like hybrid AI architecture can distribute and coordinate AI workloads among cloud and edge devices has begun.
Beyond its technological advancements, AI also has the potential to safeguard human rights and promote equality. By leveraging its capabilities in data analysis, pattern recognition, and decision-making, AI can address societal challenges, combat discrimination, and empower marginalized communities.
Malaya Business Insight compiled some major trends in the application of human rights since September 2021 when the UNESCO and UNITAR jointly launched a new, short online learning course on AI and Human Rights. The course was designed for youths aged 16 to 24 focusing on how freedom of expression, right to privacy and the right to equality are impacted using AI.
Fighting Bias in Criminal Justice: One critical area where AI is making a significant impact is in the criminal justice system. Last January in the US, an AI-trained chatbot called DoNotPay instructed a traffic court defendant, according to a report in the science and technology website ‘New Scientist.’ In some countries, traditional methods have been marred by biases and unequal treatment. AI algorithms, when trained with unbiased data and properly calibrated, can help reduce disparities in sentencing. COMPAS developed by a tech company called Northpointe and uses AI to assess the risk of reoffending and assist judges in making more informed and fair decisions regarding bail, parole, and sentencing.
Enhancing Access to Education: AI is playing a vital role in bridging educational gaps and promoting equal access to quality education. During the pandemic with so many people staying at home, online courses became free. Intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms like EduSpire that utilizes machine learning techniques to analyze individual student performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and create customized learning paths. Systems like Curipod helped educators to personalize educational content based on individual student needs. This ensures that students from all backgrounds receive tailored instruction, empowering them to excel regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location.
Combating Online Harassment and Hate Speech: The rise of social media has brought with it an alarming increase in online harassment and hate speech. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter employ AI algorithms to identify and remove offensive posts, promoting a safer online space for individuals to express themselves without fear of harassment.
One notable example of an AI project combating online harassment and hate speech is the Perspective API developed by Jigsaw, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. The Perspective API utilizes machine learning algorithms to assess the toxicity level of user comments and provide real-time feedback to promote healthier online conversations. The system assigns a “toxicity score” to each comment, indicating the likelihood of it being offensive or inflammatory. Online platforms such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Wikipedia have integrated the Perspective API into their comment sections, enabling automatic comment moderation.
Advancing Healthcare Equality: AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing healthcare and striving for equitable access to quality medical services. For example, DeepRadiology utilizes advanced AI algorithms to analyze medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, providing automated diagnostic assistance to healthcare providers. The system can quickly and accurately detect abnormalities and highlight areas of concern, assisting radiologists in their interpretation and diagnosis.
In regions with limited access to radiology specialists, DeepRadiology plays a vital role by extending the reach of healthcare services. It helps bridge the gap between patients and radiologists by providing an initial analysis of medical images, enabling healthcare providers in remote or resource-constrained areas to make informed decisions and provide appropriate treatment.
Promoting Fair Financial Services: AI is actively working towards eliminating bias and ensuring equal treatment in the financial sector. Traditional lending practices have often perpetuated discrimination against marginalized communities. AI-based credit scoring models, developed with a focus on fairness, enable lenders to evaluate creditworthiness without relying on factors that may result in discrimination. By assessing risk objectively, these models help promote fair access to financial services for all individuals, irrespective of their background. In a modest way apps like GCash, Maya and Tonik have banked the un-bankable and uses AI in for more objective and inclusive ways of bringing people into the financial realms.
As AI continues to evolve, its potential to protect human rights and promote equality becomes increasingly evident. It has the capacity to shape a future where human rights are safeguarded, and equality is paramount. It is essential for researchers, developers, policymakers, and society as a whole to collaborate and ensure that AI technologies are built with ethical considerations and a focus on fairness, enabling a more just and equitable world.
