Harnessing AI to enhance electoral oversight
by Dr Sam Power (PI), University of Bristol
We consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)– and, indeed, Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) – to be at the heart of our RAI UK project. In fact, it is a necessity. In considering the kinds of AI tools that might be implemented by electoral management bodies (EMBs), those that monitor and ensure democratic outputs are secured, trust is key. That is both trust from the stakeholders (i.e. those that work within EMBs), but also trust from citizens that are affected by the use of AI in this space. And we all have a stake in democracy functioning effectively.
In this sense our project embodies the central mission of RAI UK to better understand how these new technologies can “benefit people, communities and society”, but also focuses as much on “the human, and human societies, as it does on AI”. We consider an approach that embeds central principles of EDI as underpinning this mission. Within our team , we promote a happy and healthy research culture which ensures a clear set of standards exist within the partnership team and allows for fully inclusive meetings and events. This is especially important given our International Partnership has been workshop driven.
It is also essential for us to build RRI and EDI into our research designs. One of the things we know, with relative certainty, is that autonomous systems can embody (and reflect) implicit biases in wider society in the same way that humans can. Practically, this means that in our RRI reflective work we specifically consider ways in which this might manifest in any autonomous tools that are created, and think about the potential backfire effects of any reforms. Democracies across the world are experiencing significant periods of upheaval and uncertainty. Given this context, it has been all the more important to reflect in this way to ensure we achieve our stated aims.
*Credits for the artwork:https://pixabay.com/photos/polling-station-poll-election-day-2643466/