News Story

Shifting Power: Artificial Intelligence Researchers’ Perspectives from the Margins

Nancy Pontika, Thursday 14 Nov 2024

On Tuesday 5^th November, Dr Venetia Brown from the Shifting Power team gave a seminar presenting her research to the Centre for the Study of Global Development, a multidisciplinary centre within the Faculty of Wellbeing Education and Language Studies at The Open University. 105 people registered for the hybrid presentation, which examined a key theme: “How AI researchers and practitioners from low- and middle-income countries and marginalised researchers in higher-income countries conceptualise AI’s societal and cultural harms“. It explored the question, “What does the technology mean to these stakeholders?” while prompting the audience to consider its implications for those in the Global North, who have the resources and wealth to research, develop, deploy, and benefit from it.

The presentation examined the landscape of AI, exploring various explorations and critical works on AI and justice. It highlighted real-world harms, including environmental, socio-political and economic challenges and the difficulties faced by AI and sustainable development initiatives. Rich qualitative insights were provided into the personal and professional motivations of AI researchers and practitioners. The presentation also illustrated the dynamic interrelationships and complex factors influencing how marginalised stakeholders perceive AI, its impacts, and their lived experiences with real-world harms created by historical power dynamics and global inequalities.

We are still interested in talking to AI researchers and practitioners, especially from NGOs or industry, who live and work in low- and middle-income countries. If you want to take part in our study, please get in touch with Venetia Brown.