Denmark faces backlash over AI welfare surveillance

Concerns are mounting over Denmark’s use of AI in welfare fraud detection, with Amnesty International condemning the system for violating privacy and risking discrimination. Algorithms developed by Udbetaling Danmark (UDK) and ATP flag individuals suspected of benefit fraud, potentially breaching EU laws. Amnesty argues these tools classify citizens unfairly, resembling prohibited social scoring practices.

The AI models process extensive personal data, including residency, citizenship, and sensitive information that may act as proxies for ethnicity or migration status. Critics highlight the disproportionate targeting of marginalised groups, such as migrants and low-income individuals. Amnesty accuses the algorithms of fostering systemic discrimination while exacerbating existing inequalities within Denmark’s social structure.

Experts warn that the system undermines trust, with many recipients reporting stress and depression linked to invasive investigations. Specific algorithms like ‘Really Single’ scrutinise family dynamics and living arrangements, often without clear criteria, leading to arbitrary decisions. Amnesty’s findings suggest these practices compromise human dignity and fail to uphold transparency.

Amnesty is urging Danish authorities to halt the system’s use and for the EU to clarify AI regulations. The organisation emphasises the need for oversight and bans on discriminatory data use. Danish authorities dispute Amnesty’s findings but have yet to offer transparency on their algorithmic processes.

EU Human Rights Commissioner focuses on Ukraine and AI

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s new Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that failing to defend Ukraine would be an ‘existential loss’ for Europe. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, O’Flaherty emphasised the critical need for Europe to stand firm in supporting Ukraine amid growing authoritarianism and human rights abuses. He also highlighted the risks posed by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and stressed the importance of human rights safeguards in tech regulation.

O’Flaherty, in his first year as commissioner, underscored the enormous potential of AI to improve lives but also warned of its dangers, such as discrimination and misuse in warfare. He called for stronger regulations to ensure AI advancements align with human rights commitments. His focus on Ukraine comes at a time when the country’s challenges and human rights violations continue to dominate global discussions, with high-profile figures like Yulia Navalnaya and Olena Zelenska also speaking out on human rights issues at the summit.

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, O’Flaherty stressed the need for better communication between the tech sector and human rights advocates, aiming to create a more unified approach to solving global challenges. He also advocated for holding perpetrators of atrocities, like those in Ukraine, criminally accountable, reinforcing the preventive role of justice.

UK investigates Google’s partnership with AI firm Anthropic

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the partnership between Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and AI startup Anthropic due to concerns about competition. Regulators have grown increasingly cautious about agreements between major tech firms and smaller startups, especially after Microsoft-backed OpenAI sparked an AI boom with ChatGPT’s launch.

Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI executives Dario and Daniela Amodei, received a $500 million investment from Alphabet last year, with another $1.5 billion promised. The AI startup also relies on Google Cloud services to support its operations, raising concerns over the competitive impact of their collaboration.

The CMA began assessing the partnership in July and has set 19 December as the deadline for its Phase 1 decision. The regulator will determine whether the investigation should proceed to the next stage. Anthropic has pledged full cooperation, insisting that its strategic alliances do not compromise its independence or partnerships with other firms.

Alphabet has emphasised its commitment to fostering an open AI ecosystem. A spokesperson clarified that Anthropic is not restricted to using only Google Cloud services and is free to explore partnerships with multiple providers.

AI stress hits workers worldwide

A survey conducted by Wiley reveals that 96% of workers in the US feel stressed about adapting to AI at work. Many employees are grappling with how to integrate the rapidly evolving technology into their daily tasks, with 40% struggling to do so and 75% lacking confidence in their AI skills.

Managers also face challenges in leading AI transitions. Only 34% of people managers feel ready to support their teams effectively, exposing a knowledge gap that could hinder AI adoption. Meanwhile, 80% of employees believe their managers are supportive, though just 60% think their managers possess the expertise to guide them through the process.

Clearer strategies and structured training could ease the pressure. About 61% of employees say training on AI tools would help, while 54% believe a defined organisational strategy would make adoption smoother. Furthermore, 48% suggest that setting clearer expectations around AI use would boost their confidence.

Wiley’s report recommends three strategies for improving AI integration. Organisations are encouraged to define specific AI use cases, improve communication with employees, and provide targeted training for managers to lead their teams through the transition more effectively. Tracey Carney, the lead researcher, stresses the importance of equipping both employees and managers to handle the evolving demands of AI.

AI job displacement: Malaysia’s strategy unveiled

The rise of AI and digitalisation could displace up to 600,000 workers in Malaysia over the next five years, according to the Ministry of Human Resources. A report by Talentcorp, set for release in November, highlights how ten key industries will be most affected, including information technology, food manufacturing, and aerospace.

However, the government assures that many of these displaced workers will transition into new roles, as around 60 new types of jobs are expected to emerge. Workers in high-risk sectors will receive targeted support to upskill or reskill, making it easier for them to adapt to the changing job market. The report’s purpose is to prevent negative reactions and help industries prepare.

The report is part of a broader initiative to keep the workforce informed about the changing landscape. The government is launching a dedicated website to provide detailed information on the jobs most affected by AI, digitalisation, and green technology, as well as opportunities for training.

Steven Sim, the Human Resources Minister, has expressed optimism about the future, urging workers and industries to stay positive and proactive. The government’s ongoing studies will continue to assess other sectors in the coming years, ensuring workforce in Malaysia remains resilient in the face of technological change.

UN adopts ‘Pact for the Future’

On 22 September 2024, world leaders convened in New York to adopt the ‘Pact for the Future’ – a comprehensive agreement designed to reimagine global governance in response to contemporary and future challenges.

The ground-breaking Pact includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to update the international system established by previous generations. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of aligning global governance structures with the realities of today’s world, fostering a more inclusive and representative international system.

The Pact covers many critical areas, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, and gender equality. It marks a renewed multilateral commitment to nuclear disarmament and advocates for strengthened international frameworks to govern outer space and prevent the misuse of new technologies. To bolster sustainable development, the Pact aims to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reform international financial architecture, and enhance measures to tackle climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Digital cooperation is notably addressed through the Global Digital Compact, which outlines commitments to connect all people to the internet, safeguard online spaces, and govern AI. The Compact promotes open-source data and sets the stage for global data governance. It also ensures increased investment in digital public goods and infrastructure, especially in developing countries.

Why does it matter?

The ‘Pact for the Future’ encapsulates a detailed, optimistic vision geared toward creating a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. The Summit of the Future, which facilitated the adoption of this Pact as an extensively inclusive process, involves millions of voices and contributions from diverse stakeholders. The event was attended by over 4,000 participants, including global leaders and representatives from various sectors, and was preceded by Action Days, which drew more than 7,000 attendees. Such a forum shows firm global commitments to action, including pledges amounting to USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.

US officials highlight Africa’s role in global AI

African perspectives are vital for developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges, according to US officials. At the Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference, the acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr Seth Center, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Joy Basu, emphasised the importance of African representation in shaping global AI policies.

The event focused on fostering deeper conversations about AI’s potential role in Africa’s development. Basu praised the diverse voices from across the continent and stressed the need for African leaders to influence AI’s future applications, especially in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. The conference marked a pivotal step in increasing African engagement in critical technology discussions, which are already being supported in global forums like the G20 and the United Nations.

AI could help Africa achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, addressing key challenges across agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to Dr Seth Center. He noted the transformative role AI can play in boosting economic development, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare access. However, collaboration, both regional and global, will be essential to ensuring that AI is developed responsibly.

Startups and entrepreneurs will play a significant role in shaping Africa’s AI landscape, with many countries already crafting national AI strategies. The African Union is also working on governance frameworks to enable cross-border collaboration. These efforts will help unlock opportunities for innovation, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all parts of the continent.

UN issues final report with key recommendations on AI governance

In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping industries, societies, and geopolitics, the UN advisory body has stepped forward with its final report – ‘Governing AI for Humanity,’ presenting seven strategic recommendations for responsible AI governance. The report highlights the urgent need for global coordination in managing AI’s opportunities and risks, especially in light of the swift expansion of AI technologies like ChatGPT and the varied international regulatory approaches, such as the EU’s comprehensive AI Act and the contrasting regulatory policies of the US and China.

One of the primary suggestions is the establishment of an International Scientific Panel on AI. The body, modelled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, would bring together leading experts to provide timely, unbiased assessments of AI’s capabilities, risks, and uncertainties. The International Scientific Panel on AI would ensure that policymakers and civil society have access to the latest scientific understanding, helping to cut through the hype and misinformation that can surround new technological advances.

The AI Standards Exchange implementation would form a standard exchange bringing together global stakeholders, including national and international organizations, to debate and develop AI standards. It would ensure AI systems are aligned with global values like fairness and transparency.

AI Capacity Development Network is also one of the seven key points that would address disparities. The UN here proposes building an AI capacity network that would link centres of excellence globally, provide training and resources, and foster collaboration to empower countries that lack AI infrastructure.

Another key proposal is the creation of a Global AI Data Framework, which would provide a standardised approach to the governance of AI training data. Given that data is the lifeblood of AI systems, this framework would ensure the equitable sharing of data resources, promote transparency, and help balance the power dynamics between big AI companies and smaller emerging economies. The framework could also spur innovation by making AI development more accessible across different regions of the world.

The report further recommends forming a Global Fund for AI to bridge the AI divide between nations. The fund would provide financial and technical resources to countries lacking the infrastructure or expertise to develop AI technologies. The goal is to ensure that AI’s benefits are distributed equitably and not just concentrated in a few technologically advanced nations.

In tandem with these recommendations, the report advocates for a Policy Dialogue on AI Governance, emphasising the need for international cooperation to create harmonised regulations and avoid regulatory gaps. With AI systems impacting multiple sectors across borders, coherent global policies are necessary to prevent a ‘race to the bottom’ in safety standards and human rights protections.

Lastly, the UN calls for establishing an AI Office within the Secretariat, which would serve as a central hub for coordinating AI governance efforts across the UN and with other global stakeholders. This office would ensure that the recommendations are implemented effectively and that AI governance remains agile in rapid technological change.

Through these initiatives, the UN seeks to foster a world where AI can flourish while safeguarding human rights and promoting global equity. The report implies that the stakes are high, and only through coordinated global action can we harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks.