decolonizing AI

⇒ #digitalethics2024, #keyConcepts
{For this "concept note", please elaborate on a key concept of your choice (for some example, see the file "Key concepts for AI Ethics"). This note should be 300-500 words}

Decolonizing AI

Definition of Decolonizing AI

{Define this concept in 2-3 sentences, then explain how it is distinct from two other closely related concepts (see, for example, items on this list: Key concepts for AI Ethics)}
Decolonizing AI involves recognizing and dismantling the colonial biases embedded in AI systems. This includes addressing the ways in which AI technologies perpetuate historical power imbalances, cultural erasure, and economic exploitation rooted in colonialism.

Implications of commitment to Decolonizing AI

{⇒ To what does one commit oneself when one commits oneself to this ethical value/principle (or, in the case of a negative concept like "manipulation," when one commits oneself to diminishing its role)? Put differently, what is at stake here? What key requirements for the appropriate design of AI technologies are raised by this concept? }
When one commits themselves to decolonization of AI, this means that effort is put into recognizing and dismantling the colonial biases embedded in AI systems. According to the Decolonial AI Manifesto (https://manyfesto.ai/), issued by over two dozen experts in AI, social sciences, humanities, human rights, from different geographic regions, racial gender, age, class, and other intersectionalities, also signed by many others, the decolonial governance should recognize that new pathways have to be created to make it possible for historically marginalized groups to built along on the new socio-technical society, in a way the historic Western-centred governance has failed to provide the opportunity for. The practice of Decolonizing AI is not merely about diversity and inclusion but it also requires reparations of present and past structures. It should acknowledge the expertise from lived experience and use it as learning material for the future.

Societal transformations required for addressing concern raised by Decolonizing AI

In order to decolonize our new socio-technical society, we will have to make the following cultural, educational, institutional, and societal changes:
First of all we should imbed more lessons on colonial structures in our computer science education. The Western-centric approach is only focused on data from western countries and completely misses to take into account the Global South in their technological advancements and big data developments. Secondly on an institutional level, the frameworks we are putting in place should also adhere to overcome the colonial structures we historically kept on. Lastly cultural and societal changes. We need to make sure our policymakers, stakeholders, and the boards of major tech companies reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly including people from marginalized groups.
By making these changes, we can move towards a more inclusive and equitable socio-technical society, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all communities, not just those in the Western world.