The UK&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWMxbUY4akF1b3J3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUWs5SlZHdGxTRTFVU1RSWVZuRk1XRkZNWVdnMmR6MDk-8217;s Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has expressed concern that current proposals regarding the regulation of AI in the country are inadequate to protect human rights. In an open letter, the watchdog highlighted the need for stronger regulations to tackle the risks posed by algorithmic biases and discrimination.
The EHRC has been conducting research with local authorities to understand how they are deploying AI technology and has also published guidance for public bodies on the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The PSED is a duty on public authorities to consider how their policies or decisions affect people who are protected under the Equality Act. While the EHRC commended some examples of good practice in considering equality when using AI, it noted that there is still more that can be done to prevent discrimination.
One of the major concerns raised by the EHRC is the lack of transparency in how AI systems work. This limits the ability of local authorities to assess the equality impact of such technologies. Without understanding how these systems function, it becomes difficult to identify and address potential biases and discrimination.
In a white paper outlining its policy on AI regulation, the UK government has decided not to create a new single regulator for AI governance. Instead, it has called on existing regulators like the EHRC, Health and Safety Executive, and Competition and Markets Authority to develop their own approaches that suit the specific needs of their sectors. The regulators are expected to provide practical guidance, risk assessment templates, and implement the government&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWMxbUY4akF1b3J3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUWs5SlZHdGxTRTFVU1RSWVZuRk1XRkZNWVdnMmR6MDk-8217;s principles of safety, transparency, fairness, accountability, and contestability.
While the EHRC supports responsible AI innovation, it emphasizes that adequate funding and resources must be provided to the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing AI use. Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the EHRC, stresses the importance of preventing AI from exacerbating existing biases in society or leading to new forms of discrimination. To achieve this, the EHRC needs government funding to enhance its capability and scale up its operations as a regulator of equality and human rights.
The EHRC&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWMxbUY4akF1b3J3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUWs5SlZHdGxTRTFVU1RSWVZuRk1XRkZNWVdnMmR6MDk-8217;s concerns about the regulation of AI align with those raised by Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition. Vestager believes that AI-fueled discrimination poses a greater risk to society than the possibility of human extinction. She warned against the potential for discrimination in areas such as banking or social services, underscoring the need to ensure that AI systems do not discriminate based on factors like gender, race, or location.
In conclusion, the EHRC&https://adarima.org/?aHR0cHM6Ly9tY3J5cHRvLmNsdWIvY2F0ZWdvcnJ5Lz93cHNhZmVsaW5rPWMxbUY4akF1b3J3QXBic0NhZGZFZUZsZ2lIbmlrUWs5SlZHdGxTRTFVU1RSWVZuRk1XRkZNWVdnMmR6MDk-8217;s call for stronger regulations to address the risks associated with AI is timely and crucial. The potential for algorithmic biases and discrimination underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and effective oversight. As technologies continue to advance, it is imperative for governments and regulatory bodies to invest in the necessary resources to ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, without compromising human rights and equality.
