Who controls AI and why that matters

Artificial intelligence will have a growing influence on many aspects of the global economy, education system, media narrative, government system and in addition to that, it impacts our communication as well.

Despite the level of influence that AI already has on many of these areas, control of the technology is still concentrated in a very small number of organisations. Understanding who has control of AI is necessary, as it relates to how power is transferred from technological to social, political and economic form.

Governments and large corporations: the two primary roles in governing AI

The technology behind AI is currently controlled by corporate entities (major tech companies) and national governments. Corporations control most of the resources needed to build AI systems at scale through capital, skilled workforce, and infrastructure. Governments can influence how AI is developed and deployed through legislation, funding and the application of physical security. With a small number of corporations and government entities having such a high degree of control over the development and deployment of AI, decisions regarding the benefits of AI to society and the public exist behind closed doors. Further, this raises concern about the level of transparency, accountability and ultimately the question of what is served by AI systems.

Data inputs serve as the source of power

The power of AI is contingent upon the availability of data as a primary source of input and output. Thus, control over these resources is critical. Organizations and entire countries that possess large amounts of consumer based information have an unparalleled advantage when developing AI technologies. Therefore, this data provides the majority of information necessary to develop highly advanced systems based on a user's needs. The concentration of data by certain entities creates significant imbalances of power in society where users may have little or no control over how that information is used. Additionally, users are limited in their ability to monitor the way their data has been processed by using AI by having no access to any records from that processing activity. So, users will continue to act as passive recipients of AI-generated results that have the ability to significantly influence their quality of life.

Disparity of AI control globally and it's impact

Advanced technological nations have the majority of control over AI development, research, innovation and regulation. Many nations developing lower levels of technological development are consumers of artificial intelligence technologies. Therefore, these countries no longer have a voice in the creation of how these tools are developed. This disparity reinforces global inequalities by further limiting the ability of local cultures' knowledge systems and perspectives to have a place in the creation of artificial intelligence. As a result, without fully inclusive participation, the tools of artificial intelligence will reflect the aspirations of a limited geographic area and overlook the concerns of the majority of the world's populations.

The importance of control and surveillance over AI

Artificial intelligence is affecting the decisions we make about our daily lives, from reading the news to getting a job. If a few people own the technology and control the algorithms, then those people will embed their bias, in economic, political, or cultural realms into an ostensibly objective system. The effects of this bias can promote inequality, encourage certain behaviours and restrict freedom of choice. Thus, the issue of who has control over AI is less about technology than about power, fairness, and social justice.

Conclusion

The individual or group with control over AI will dictate the distribution of power within our digital world. The risk of having AI entrusted to concentrated ownership can lead to misuse, exclusion and suspending of trust. On the other hand, inclusive governance creates an environment of accountability, fairness and allows all to benefit equally. Additionally, as the impact of AI increases upon our day to day activities, all of our societies must advocate for ethical oversight. Therefore, the future of artificial intelligence must not only rely on the technological ability but also consider the collective responsibility and human values of the users.