A new white paper highlights both the risks and opportunities of AI for Black communities, aiming to inform policymakers and advocate for more inclusive AI development.
The paper titled "Exploring the Impact of AI on Black Americans," aims to broaden the discussion on AI, beyond national security concerns, to include its immediate effects on various communities.
The researchers emphasise the need for a more balanced approach to AI regulation, highlighting how AI systems can perpetuate racial disparities. They cite examples such as the higher loan rejection rates for Black Americans when using AI-powered screening systems, a phenomenon often referred to as "Banking While Black."
The impact of AI across various sectors is also explored, including education, healthcare, and the creative industries. While acknowledging AI's potential to bridge achievement gaps in education and provide platforms for creative expression, the authors also warn of risks such as exploitative data collection practices and unclear copyright laws for AI-generated content.
Concerns are also raised about the environmental impact of AI development, noting that the resource-intensive nature of AI systems could disproportionately affect marginalised communities.
Throughout, the researchers stress the importance of educating policymakers, and the public about these issues, empowering them to self-advocate and influence the development of AI technologies. They argue that while innovation is important, it should not come at the cost of ignoring potential harms to specific communities.