Can artificial intelligence be racist?

Source: Yahoo News

Can artificial intelligence be racist?

Experts say AI tools lack transparency and could cause disparities at an unprecedented level.

Jayla Whitfield-Anderson·National Reporter
Updated Tue, August 1, 2023 at 8:53 PM EDT·5 min read

The rise of artificial intelligence has led to the creation of generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, that provide automated predictions based on large amounts of data. But as the use of AI reaches new heights, experts say the booming technology increases racial bias and discriminatory practices.

“Those tools are trained to make predictions based on historical data of what's happening or has happened before. So automated predictions will mirror and amplify the existing discrimination in the context in which it's used,” Olga Akselrod, senior staff attorney in the Racial Justice Program at the American Civil Liberties Union, told Yahoo News.

In a 2020 study by Cambridge University, researchers found that AI causes unequal opportunities for marginalized groups. But AI continues to grow despite the inequities. Currently, 35% of companies are now using AI, and 42% are exploring the future adoption of the technology, according to Tech Jury.

“Predictive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, have been implemented in virtually every facet of our day, by both government and private entities, and impact truly critical decisions, such as who gets a job, who gets a loan, who goes to jail, and a host of other decisions,” Akselrod said.

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