Kate Crawford: Unmasking the Human Side of Artificial Intelligence

Further information at: https://aivips.org/kate-crawford/ When we think about Artificial Intelligence, it's easy to picture futuristic robots, complex algorithms, and groundbreaking tech innovations. But behind AI lies something much more profound and, often, deeply human. Kate Crawford, a leading scholar, author, and researcher, has been at the forefront of understanding how AI systems affect our societies, ethics, and everyday lives. Crawford challenges the traditional narrative that AI is neutral or purely technical. In her acclaimed book "Atlas of AI," she peels back the layers of artificial intelligence, revealing how it’s not just a product of code but of human labor, environmental resources, and political power. AI, as she argues, is embedded in systems that reflect and amplify biases, inequities, and societal challenges. Through her work as a researcher at Microsoft Research and as a co-founder of the AI Now Institute, Crawford explores critical questions: Who benefits from AI? Who is harmed? From facial recognition systems that misidentify individuals to environmental costs of massive data centers, her insights force us to confront uncomfortable truths. For Kate, AI is not about the "artificial"—it's about the real-world consequences that shape our world. What makes Crawford's approach powerful is her ability to bridge technology, ethics, and human rights. She reminds us that AI is not magic; it's a product of choices made by humans. By highlighting the hidden costs and unseen impacts of AI, Crawford inspires us to rethink how these technologies are developed and deployed. Her work is a wake-up call, asking policymakers, developers, and society at large to ensure AI serves the greater good rather than reinforcing existing inequalities. In a time when AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of our lives, voices like Kate Crawford's are essential. She urges us not just to marvel at AI's possibilities but to question its implications. Because, as Crawford reveals, the future of AI is ultimately about the future of humanity itself. Kind regards Jörg-Owe Schneppat (AiVips.org) Tags: #KateCrawford #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #TechEthics #AtlasOfAI #HumanCenteredAI #AIEthics #AIImpact #AIandSociety #AIResearch #ResponsibleAI #DigitalJustice #AIExplained #TechForGood #EthicalAI