Sahaj Vaidya is a research collaborator at AIAAIC, where she contributes to enhancing transparency and openness in AI. She’s also developing a taxonomy for AI risks and challenges at the World Ethic Data Forum. Sahaj is a doctoral student of Data Science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Her research project, the Open Explainability Protocol (OEXP) aims to establish a universally accepted standard for conveying the outputs of autonomous systems.
In this post, Sahaj explains the concept of AI constitutionalism, a framework for addressing the impact of AI on society. As we increasingly rely on AI, it’s important that we focus on guiding ethical principles rather than just the technological feats AI achieves. Sahaj draws on a case study to highlight the benefits of AI constitutionalism in practice:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly weaving itself into the fabric of our lives, from the algorithms that curate our social media feeds to the self-driving cars transforming our transportation landscape. As AI’s influence expands, so too does the urgency to ensure its development and deployment are guided by ethical principles. AI constitutionalism emerges as a critical framework in this endeavour, emphasising the process, values, and societal impact of AI, not just the technological feats it achieves.
Traditionally, discussions surrounding AI tend to focus on the end results: accuracy, efficiency, and innovation. While these are undeniably important goals, AI constitutionalism argues that a singular focus on outcomes overshadows a crucial aspect – the means by which AI systems arrive at these results.
As AI’s influence expands, so too does the urgency to ensure its development and deployment are guided by ethical principles.
This framework emphasises the need for a comprehensive ethical lens throughout the entire lifecycle of AI, encompassing data collection, model training, deployment, and ultimately, its impact on society.
Imagine an AI-powered criminal justice system touted for its predictive capabilities in identifying potential recidivists. While a high accuracy rate might seem impressive, AI constitutionalism would prompt a deeper examination. How is the data used to train this system collected? Does it inadvertently perpetuate historical biases present in the criminal justice system, leading to the unfair targeting of certain demographics? Does this technology erode trust in law enforcement and the justice system as a whole? By analysing the ethical means employed by AI systems, we can identify and mitigate potential harms before they manifest.
AI systems don’t operate in isolation. They interact with a complex web of people, institutions, and ecosystems. AI constitutionalism emphasises the importance of recognising these interconnected relationships. The objective becomes developing ‘relational AI’ technologies that strengthen human connections, foster trust, and promote collaboration across all levels of society.
Consider AI-powered language learning platforms that facilitate intercultural communication and understanding. Imagine AI tools that connect students from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaboration on global projects and fostering a sense of global citizenship. By focusing on relational AI, we can leverage technology to bridge societal divides and build a more inclusive future.
AI should serve as a force for positive change, contributing to the well-being of all communities. AI constitutionalism advocates for the prioritisation of AI applications that address pressing societal challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and access to education. Furthermore, it emphasises the equitable distribution of benefits, ensuring that all communities can leverage AI advancements to improve their lives.
Imagine AI-powered systems that optimise renewable energy production, monitor deforestation patterns, and predict environmental hazards. Consider AI tools that empower local communities to develop sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the effects of climate change. By focusing on community well-being, AI becomes a catalyst for environmental stewardship and a more sustainable future.
Inclusive governance is the cornerstone of AI constitutionalism. Shaping the future of AI requires the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of a broad range of stakeholders. This includes academics, policymakers, civil society organisations, industry leaders, and most importantly, the communities directly affected by AI.
Envision multi-stakeholder forums where decisions concerning AI are made collaboratively. These forums should actively seek the participation of diverse voices, including those from historically marginalised communities. Through inclusive dialogue and collective deliberation, we can develop AI policies and regulations that are truly representative and reflect a shared vision for an ethical and equitable future with AI.
Let’s delve deeper into the example of using AI for healthcare access in underserved communities. AI constitutionalism wouldn’t simply focus on improving appointment scheduling or diagnosis accuracy. It would consider the following aspects:
● Means: How does the AI collect health data while respecting patient privacy? Does it offer culturally sensitive medical recommendations, taking into account local practices and beliefs? Does it ensure that data is anonymised and securely stored, protecting patient confidentiality?
● Relationality: Does the system strengthen communication between healthcare providers, community health workers, and patients? Does it facilitate trust-building and personalised care, considering the specific needs of each community? Does the AI empower local healthcare professionals by providing them with decision-making support tools? Does it promote preventative care initiatives tailored to the specific health challenges of the community? For instance, the AI system could analyse local health data to identify patterns of chronic diseases and recommend targeted preventative measures. Additionally, it could be used to develop culturally appropriate educational materials to raise awareness about these health issues.
MEASURABLE IMPACT: QUANTIFYING THE BENEFITS OF ETHICAL AI
AI constitutionalism compels us to move beyond mere technological feats and assess the tangible impact of AI on communities. Here are some potential metrics to evaluate the success of the AI-powered healthcare system in our case study:
● Reduction in preventable disease rates: Track the incidence of diseases that can be mitigated through preventative measures, such as diabetes or heart disease.
● Increased access to healthcare services: Monitor the number of individuals in the community who are now receiving regular healthcare checkups and screenings.
● Improved patient outcomes: Analyse data on patient health outcomes, such as mortality rates or length of hospital stays, to assess the overall effectiveness of the AI-powered healthcare system.
● Community satisfaction: Conduct surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from community members on their experience with the AI healthcare system. This helps identify areas for improvement and ensure the system is truly meeting the needs of the population.
AI constitutionalism offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of AI development and deployment. By prioritising ethical means, fostering relationality, ensuring community wellbeing, and embracing participatory decision-making, we can harness the power of AI for good.
By adopting these principles and metrics, we can ensure that AI is not just a technological marvel, but a powerful tool for advancing healthcare equity and improving the well-being of all communities.
AI constitutionalism offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of AI development and deployment. By prioritising ethical means, fostering relationality, ensuring community well-being, and embracing participatory decision-making, we can harness the power of AI for good. Let us embark on this journey together, shaping a future where AI serves as a force for positive change, benefiting all of humanity.
