Lesson 11: Quest for Social Justice in AI

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Questions and Answers

What type of bias can be introduced into an AI system either purposefully or inadvertently?

Algorithmic biases

Statistical and computational biases (correct)

Tech bias

Cultural biases

Which principle of justice focuses on the fairness of outcomes?

Retributive justice

Distributive justice

Procedural justice

Substantive justice (correct)

What does distributive justice emphasize in the context of AI systems?

The allocation of opportunities and resources (correct)

The allocation of blame in society

The use of AI in monitoring behaviors

The effectiveness of AI algorithms

What can systemic biases be associated with in AI systems?

Cultural norms and values Signup and view all the answers

Which represents a requirement for employers using AI systems that impact employment relationships?

To inform employees and their representatives Signup and view all the answers

Which principle of justice deals with social and economic inequalities?

Fair equality of opportunity Signup and view all the answers

How are social justice issues in AI systems suggested to be resolved?

Empowering communities to shape local programs Signup and view all the answers

What does the difference principle advocate for in terms of social justice?

Satisfying the needs of the least advantaged Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the social justice issues of concern in the age of AI?

Criminal justice Signup and view all the answers

Which example demonstrates biased decision-making in public services?

The Dutch SyRI case Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Dutch SyRI legislation in court?

It was deemed unlawful Signup and view all the answers

How does predictive policing in Italy utilize ethnicity data?

To profile and predict individuals' future criminality Signup and view all the answers

What does substantive justice focus on in relation to social justice?

The fairness of outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of the predictive system used in the Netherlands called 'Top 600'?

It predicts crime based on flawed algorithms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of justice does the term 'historical justice' refer to?

Addressing past injustices in society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of procedural justice?

The processes that lead to equitable outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary method for addressing social justice issues in technology?

Legislation and regulatory instruments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a collective effort towards social justice?

Community-based movements Signup and view all the answers

What concept emphasizes the importance of rethinking culture and systems for social justice?

Radical rethinking Signup and view all the answers

What do Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) principles emphasize?

Community governance over data Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of systemic and structural injustices?

They are produced collectively over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a tool for addressing social justice in AI systems?

Viral marketing strategies Signup and view all the answers

What does 'design justice' seek to promote?

Equitable data practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of manipulated or misused data on communities?

They stifle communities and decrease prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The lesson explores social justice concerns in the age of AI.
It examines the interplay between substantive and procedural justice in the real world, both technically and socially.
The lesson identifies mainstream ways social justice and AI are understood and what people do about them.
It highlights areas where these understandings are lacking.

Criminal justice, socio-economic justice, racial justice, labour justice, environmental justice, and historical justice are all relevant concerns.

Examples: Biased Decision-Making

Public services: Economic mobility and access to key public services are impacted.
Case example: Dutch SyRI case: The SyRI risk profiling system, used by the Dutch government, is believed to have unfairly targeted low-income neighbourhoods based on socio-economic background. The system was deemed unlawful for violating privacy and equality rights.

Examples

Criminal justice system, predictive policing: systems like DELIA in Italy use ethnicity to predict future criminality, targeting areas with racialised populations. The Dutch “Top 600” list similarly attempts to predict future criminality, with high rates of harassment.

How is Inequity Engineered?

Bias is inherent in AI systems.
This can be introduced purposefully, inadvertently, or emerge during application.
Sources of bias include: statistical and computational biases, systemic bias, and human bias.

Types of AI bias

Bias can be introduced, intended or unintended.
Statistical and computational bias is found in the applications.
Systemic and human biases are a frequent problem.

Principles of justice include basic liberties, equality, and freedom of thought.
Social and economic inequalities should satisfy fair equality of opportunity, difference principle and more.
It's important to consider the means as well as the ends when designing AI systems.

Distributive justice and how institutions allocate resources.
Social and technical elements interact dynamically to shape stable institutional practices.

Examples (continued)

Workplace monitoring through AI systems: EU context requires employers to inform employees about the use of HR policies.
Environmental justice is also a concern.

This section asks about the methods for tackling identified social issues arising from and impacted by AI.

Legislation and regulatory instruments, adjudication (lawsuits), technical fixes, and design justice.

Legislation & Regulatory Instruments

This section describes Al Act, DSA, DMA, GDPR, PLD, AILD, UNGPs, and mHRDD. Using these regulations to mitigate harms and protect human rights.

Adjudication

Lawsuits are based on laws such as GDPR, DSA, and possibly PLD or AILD

What's Missing or Left Unsaid?

Systemic and structural injustices, which are produced by multiple actors over a period of time and built into systems.
Intersectional inequalities, which are particularly problematic.

Brainstorming

This section encourages participants to brainstorm ways to address social justice using “design justice”.

What other ways are being imagined?

Counterdata/coding (rewriting and controlling narratives) is one method

Community-Based Movements

Data-based technologies alter lives.
Understanding how data systems affect communities is important.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations should govern the collection, ownership, and application of data related to them.

Key Takeaways

Social justice in the realm of AI is not static, but continually emerging.
Sources of bias, both technical and human, are interconnected and perpetuate systemic inequalities.
Issues raised by AI must be addressed via social, ethical and technological means.
Imaginative interventions like counter-coding, community-based action, and reclaiming agency are crucial for addressing inequalities.

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Description

This lesson delves into social justice issues in the context of artificial intelligence. It examines how AI intersects with various forms of justice, including economic, racial, and environmental aspects, while also highlighting gaps in public understanding. Case studies, such as the Dutch SyRI case, illustrate the potential bias in AI decision-making processes.