A Virtual Town Hall on AI Ethics

Event Description:

Join us on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, at 7 PM EST for an engaging and interactive digital town hall on AI Ethics, organized by the Eco Punks and sponsored by PWYC Media. This event, held via Zoom, is an open invitation to residents of Eastern Ontario and beyond to delve into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, at 7 PM EST
• Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88921057895?pwd=ITjrDioHSondge2OR7fowJAKINNp6M.1
• Organizer: Eco Punks (ecopunks.live)
• Sponsor: PWYC Media, Almonte, Ontario
• Registration: Free (Open to all, especially AI beginners)
• Contact: pwyc@metaviews.ca

Agenda:

1. Introduction to AI: The event will kick off with a brief overview of AI – what it is and its current applications in our society. This session is perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their understanding of AI.
2. Digital Town Hall: The floor will then open for a dynamic digital town hall. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share their views, and engage in a community-driven discussion about AI ethics. This is your chance to voice your thoughts on how AI should ethically evolve and impact our society.

Why Attend?

• Empower Yourself: Learn about AI and contribute to shaping its ethical framework.
• Community Engagement: Share your perspective and hear from others in Eastern Ontario and beyond.
• Influence AI's Future: Your input can help guide the future of AI and democracy.
• Accessibility: No prior knowledge of AI is required. We welcome newcomers to the topic!

Additional Information:

• The event will be livestreamed and recorded for those who cannot attend live.
• Based on the success of this event, we plan to host more sessions, including an in-person event in the warmer months for those who prefer physical gatherings.

Join Us:

This is more than just a discussion; it's an opportunity to be a part of shaping the ethical landscape of AI. Your voice matters in this crucial conversation. Let's come together to learn, share, and influence the responsible development of AI technologies.

Stay Informed, Stay Engaged:
For updates and more information, visit gazette.ecopunks.live and follow us on our social media channels. Let's build a future where technology works for everyone!

Now that the event has passed, here's the summary of what we discussed:

1. AI as a Common Tool: The discussion challenges the notion that AI is a complex, inaccessible technology used only by experts. Instead, it's presented as a ubiquitous part of everyday life, exemplified by platforms like Facebook. This perspective encourages people to recognize their daily interactions with AI, demystifying the technology and making it more approachable for the general public.
2. Public Entitlement to AI Ethics: The conversation advocates for public participation in shaping AI ethics, emphasizing that as users of AI, people have the right to voice their opinions on its use. This includes discussing the ethical boundaries, purposes, and development focus of AI, ensuring that it aligns with societal values and needs.
3. AI's Evolution and Public Perception: Reflecting on AI's evolution, the discussion highlights how public perception, often shaped by myths and hype, influences the conversation around AI. It suggests that demystifying AI and educating the public about its true nature and capabilities is crucial for informed discourse on AI ethics.
4. AI and Data Processing: AI is defined as a system that processes data to generate content, make decisions, or predictions. This definition, rooted in the Canadian government's perspective, is explored to clarify AI's function as a data processor, countering the myth of AI as an all-knowing, omnipotent entity.
5. Ethical Concerns and AI's Impact: Participants raise various ethical concerns, such as AI's role in surveillance and data privacy, and the potential for its misuse. The discussion also touches on AI's impact on creative fields like art, acknowledging the technology's potential to both enhance creativity and raise copyright issues.
6. AI, Power Dynamics, and Accessibility: The conversation delves into the power dynamics surrounding AI, questioning who has access to these technologies and how they are disproportionately used to benefit certain groups. This part of the discussion underscores the need for equitable access and use of AI.
7. AI's Environmental Impact: The significant energy consumption of AI technologies is a critical concern. The discussion links AI's environmental footprint to broader issues of sustainability, highlighting the need for environmentally responsible AI development and use.
8. Future of AI and Public Involvement: Finally, the participants emphasize the importance of public involvement in shaping the future of AI. They discuss ways to collectively influence AI development to ensure it serves the public good, aligns with human rights, and reflects societal values.

Each of these points contributes to a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in society, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations, public education, and involvement in shaping the future of AI technologies.