Artificial intelligence (AI) has been accelerating across sectors. It has great potential to benefit society but the technology’s full potential can only be realized if it includes the diversity of the populations it represents throughout every step of its development. With growing concerns about bias, data privacy and lack of representation, it is critical to re-evaluate the way in which AI is both designed and deployed to ensure that all affected stakeholders and communities reap the benefits of the technology, rather than any harm.
Evaluating the AI development life cycle, the Global Future Council on Artificial Intelligence for Humanity has identified gap areas and opportunities to make AI more equitable and inclusive for all. The current AI life cycle can be split into two areas: those that govern AI use (e.g. those who will receive and use the AI) and those that will design, develop and deploy AI to be fit for stakeholder needs. While each is on its own pathway, they both work simultaneously to ensure AI is equitable and inclusive throughout their individual area. The seven broad steps in the AI life cycle (see below) can be optimized to ensure equity and inclusion are prioritized in the development and deployment of AI. However, this common standard can only be achieved by looking at the current ecosystem in which artificial intelligence is distributed and understood. Through awareness-raising, educating, building accessible infrastructure and upskilling, current and future generations can be enabled to make informed decisions about their use of AI.