By prioritising ethical deployment, AI stands poised to become a powerful tool for driving meaningful social change
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous, permeating various facets of our lives. While AI has made crucial inroads into fields such as medical science, space exploration, financial inclusion, cyber security, manufacturing and transportation, its true potential lies in addressing complex everyday societal challenges and easing human struggles at the grassroots level.
In simple terms, we need AI to uplift the marginalised, improve social equity and bring about meaningful and measurable change in society. Not drive our cars, switch on our air conditioners, write our essays, or enhance our art. Therefore, while navigating our technological landscape and priorities, it is essential to reimagine AI’s role, directing its capabilities towards issues that uphold human dignity and promote social progress.
In the realm of primary education, AI can play a crucial role in overcoming fundamental barriers faced by children of migrant labourers and displaced civilians, thereby breaking the cycle of disadvantage and bridging gaps. Lack of access, resources, language, quality of instruction and personalised support are barriers that can be effectively addressed through AI. Adaptive learning platforms and customised educational content can cater to individual needs, enabling children to seamlessly integrate into the mainstream education system at a later date. This gives equitable access to educational opportunities for all, regardless of their background or circumstances and ensures that no one lags behind.
Another pressing issue that demands AI intervention is the eradication of manual scavenging in countries like India. Despite legislative bans, manual scavenging persists, subjecting individuals to hazardous conditions and robbing them of their basic dignity. AI-powered sanitation systems and robotics deployed on a rapid scale can offer a viable solution, automating waste management processes and eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Access to justice is another area where AI intervention can make a significant difference and lead to faster resolutions and improved outcomes. From managing databases to providing legal assistance, support services and information resources to underserved communities, AI can assist individuals in navigating the legal system, understanding their rights and accessing legal representation, particularly in cases of war crimes, civil rights violations, discrimination, or social injustice.
By harnessing AI for social justice initiatives, one can also strive to combat systemic biases and promote inclusivity by analysing large datasets and identifying patterns of discrimination in various domains - from education to criminal justice. AI-driven decision-making can help mitigate biases in hiring processes and law enforcement, fostering fair and equitable treatment for all. These are just a few of the many areas where AI intervention can be transformative. It is important to prioritise a ground-up approach rather than a top-down one. Safeguards, however, must be in place to prevent biases in algorithms and mitigate the risks of misuse or manipulation. This makes it crucial for interdisciplinary collaboration to exist between technologists and policymakers in order to navigate the ethical complexities inherent to AI development and implementation.
Let’s remember that AI is a tool, not a solution. We can only deem AI transformational if it is deployed to eradicate dehumanising practices, build social equity and improve the lives of grassroots communities. So let us harness it as a force for positive change, ensuring that it remains a tool for empowerment and progress. Let us direct its capabilities towards endeavours that empower humanity and promote social progress. Everything else can be temporarily set aside.
(The writer is the Founding Partner at Civic Spectrum LLP and also the Founder at SSARMA Consults. Views expressed are personal)
