The Ethics of AI in Africa: Bias, Data Privacy, and Inclusion –
Considering the vast transformation Artificial Intelligence has brought into industries and societies across the world, Africa is poised to benefit significantly from this technological revolution. However, there are salient ethical concerns about the deployment of Artificial Intelligence. From inadequate data protection and unbalanced algorithms to unequal access to AI’s edges, Africa must be able to effectively handle these complications to make sure AI is highly beneficial to its people and promote all-round development.
We will discuss further the ethics of AI in Africa, focusing on AI fairness, inclusivity, and responsible data use.
AI Ethics is a positive force that helps in mitigating unfair biases, eliminating barriers to accessibility and enhancing creativity amongst many other benefits.
It can also be categorized as a set of values and principles that involves widely accepted standards of right and wrong to scrutinize moral conduct in the development and use of AI.
AI BIAS IN AFRICA
AI systems may not be developed with local language in mind which negates the principle of inclusivity as it excludes certain populations – majorly, those who do not have formal education; Also, there have been cases of biased AI systems in Africa such as facial recognition technology. Some research has shown that facial recognition technology used by the government of South Africa had a huge error rate for black females thereby leading to wrong identification and wrongful detention.
A study has also unveiled that facial recognition used in Morocco and Egypt were more authentic for the whites than people of colour. Unequal access to technology and internet connection could prevent marginalized groups from benefiting from the advancement associated with AI.
In Conclusion, to ensure that AI is widely accessed, it is important to invest in AI education and training programs that include women, youth and marginalized communities.
