The IEAI goes to ITS Rio
From September 19-23, three IEAI researchers, Auxane Boch, Ellen Hohma and Franziska Poszler, participated in the ‘Global Summit on Responsible AI’ in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by the Institute for Technology & Society of Rio de Janeiro (ITS Rio) and co-organized by partners from the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society (BKC) at Harvard University and the Nordic Center for Internet and Society (BI) at Norwegian Business School.
In this 5-days conference representatives from academia, industry and society discussed pressing issues in the context of AI, particularly with a focus on connecting perspectives on responsible AI from Global North and South. Insights were shared on topics like data governance and other regulatory implications, AI’s social impacts, or participatory and inclusive AI-technology design. The focus on exchanging ideas from Global North and South was complemented by getting to know local initiatives and civil society efforts, like data_labe or “Data for Justice project”.
The IEAI at the Conference
During the conference, the research team from the IEAI presented a 1,5h-workshop on “Assessing the Risks of AI Applications: A Hands-On Tool for AI Governance” for experts from industry and academia as well as students. The aim of this workshop was to present and apply a risk-based assessment approach to AI ethics governance, which was recently developed by the IEAI. The workshop started with a short introduction highlighting the need for such an approach and existing efforts and guidelines in this regard (such as the EU AI Act). Then, the research team provided a summary of their proposed methodology and tool for risk assessment. Afterwards, the participants were divided into groups and invited to discuss in parallel how to assess specific AI-systems, social robots and self-driving vehicles, using the presented methodology and tool. Lastly, groups shared their results and feedback with the IEAI researchers. Based on this feedback, our team was able to gain important insights into how to develop the methodology and tool further to make it more user-friendly and applicable (e.g., clarify key terms, the target audience for this tool).
Taking in Rio
During its stay, the IEAI team had the chance to engage in different cultural activities organized by the kind hosts at ITS Rio, with the great company of the partners from BKC and BI. From the networking cocktail hour at the Othon Palace Rooftop, to diners in traditional Brazilian restaurants, our researchers got to discover the city through the eyes of the locals.
“Our most memorable experiences include viewing Rio de Janeiro from the Sugar Loaf, enjoying the samba scene in the historic place where the Remnants of Quilombos Community of Pedra do Sal is located, as well as the discovery of the data_labe and the fantastic work done there. We want to warmly thank our kind hosts, and all partners we had the chance to meet and spend quality time with. The conversations sparked and the great company made this trip an unforgettable experience.” Auxane Boch, Ellen Hohma and Franziska Poszler
