“A better world is possible by 2040 than the one we have today. But will we actually live in that better world in 15 years?
“The current movement toward condensing power in fewer and fewer systems, governments and individuals has to be redirected if we want to assure that the impacts of AI technologies can actually be a net positive for individuals and for society. This requires a reversal of the current momentum of AI development, from who develops it and how to who funds it and how.
Without mechanisms of accountability that enable individuals and communities – especially those already systemically marginalized and harmed by biases in and access to technology – to manage their consent, receive restitution for harm and adopt the technologies in ways that best meet their individual needs, we cannot anticipate AI having positive impacts for most individuals and communities.
“There also must be much more attention paid to AI’s future role in democratic engagement, content development and copyright, artistic and cultural creation and ownership, and so much more.
“Without mechanisms of accountability that enable individuals and communities – especially those already systemically marginalized and harmed by biases in and access to technology – to manage their consent, receive restitution for harm and adopt the technologies in ways that best meet their individual needs, we cannot anticipate AI having positive impacts for most individuals and communities.
“Without access, participation, leadership and ownership in technology evolution, individuals and communities will continue to be systemically excluded, maintaining and furthering the oppressive divides we are experiencing today. Technology is not neutral, and unless we build it with inclusive intention we cannot change its course.”
This response was written in November 2023 in reply to the question: Considering likely changes due to the proliferation of AI in individuals’ lives and in social, economic and political systems, how will life have changed by 2040? This and more than 150 additional responses are included in the report “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence by 2040”