Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Generative AI: Safeguarding Human Rights in the Digital Age
Wednesday 17th July 2024
The Atrium, UQ Brisbane City
AI promises great benefits but potential and demonstrated risks, including erosion of privacy, amplifying bias and discrimination, manipulating human behaviour, including vulnerable groups, and undermining human rights. Much work must be done on how responsible development, deployment and adoption of powerful new innovations contribute to a safer and more socially responsible future. This panel discussion, hosted by The Centre for Policy Futures, explored the intersection of generative AI and human rights.
The event was moderated by Dr Caitlin Curtis, Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Futures, and opened with a keynote address from Ms Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner. Commissioner Finlay spoke to the opportunities for human advancement offered by AI, while warning of the potential threats to human rights and democracy. She emphasised the urgent need for governments, technology companies, industry, and academics to engage with these issues and enact real reforms which centre ethics and protect human rights.
Expert panellists Professor Tim Miller (Professor in Artificial Intelligence, The University of Queensland), Stela Solar (Director, National AI Institute, CSIRO), and Commissioner Finlay were then invited to join a Q&A discussion. The discussion highlighted the potential for medical advancement, engineering progress, and advantages for small and medium businesses all fostered by AI. The panel also warned against the risks to democracy brought about by AI generated misinformation, deep fakes, and inherent bias. The panel recommended diverse collaboration as a positive way forward for both all stakeholders.
(Left to Right): Stela Solar, Director, National AI Institute, CSIRO; Ms Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner; Professor Tim Miller, Professor in Artificial Intelligence, The University of Queensland; Dr Caitlin Curtis, Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Futures, The University of Queensland.
(Left to Right): Ms Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner; Stela Solar, Director, National AI Institute, CSIRO; Professor Tim Miller, Professor in Artificial Intelligence, The University of Queensland; Dr Caitlin Curtis, Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Futures, The University of Queensland.
(Left to Right): Ms Lorraine Finlay, Australian Human Rights Commissioner; Stela Solar, Director, National AI Institute, CSIRO.