It's crucial for the current U.S. administration to actively engage in rectifying and preventing the potential exacerbation of existing societal disparities by artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements. This call to action is highlighted by the increasing reliance on AI in sectors critical to economic advancement, such as housing, employment, education, and credit.
AI, though often heralded for its potential to drive economic growth and efficiency, is not immune to the biases that plague our societies. Since AI systems are created and implemented by humans, they can inadvertently reflect and perpetuate the biases present in our society. These biases are often embedded in the data used to train AI systems, which can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities. For instance, AI applications in housing and employment have shown tendencies to perpetuate discrimination, often disadvantaging these groups.
The technology industry's lack of diverse representation exacerbates this issue, as it often fails to recognize or address the potential harms these technologies might pose. Consequently, AI systems can reinforce longstanding disparities in areas like tenant screening and mortgage qualifications, where algorithms might reflect systemic racism or sexism.
Recently, the ACLU, along with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Upturn, and other partner organizations, urged the Biden administration to prioritize civil rights and equity in its AI and technology policy. The administration's current AI and technology initiatives seem to lack a focused approach to addressing the challenges faced by people of color and other historically marginalized groups, risking further entrenchment of systemic racism and economic inequality.
Therefore, it's imperative for federal agencies to ensure that AI systems are accountable and comply with civil rights laws. This means integrating a civil rights perspective into the development of AI and technology policies and enforcing these standards to foster more equitable outcomes. Without such measures, the economic and racial divides in the U.S. may continue to widen, undermining efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The Biden administration has a responsibility to reverse these trends and consider the impact of digital technologies on perpetuating inequity.
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