Introduction:
In an effort to shine a light on the contributions of women in the AI field, TechCrunch has been conducting interviews with remarkable women who have played a significant role in the AI revolution. These interviews highlight important work that often goes unrecognized. In this profile, we focus on Rachel Coldicutt, the founder of Careful Industries, a research organization that explores the social impact of technology. Coldicutt has an impressive background, having worked for companies like the BBC and the Royal Opera House before establishing her own ventures. She has been recognized for her work in digital technology and is committed to promoting responsible and equitable AI.
Rachel Coldicutt’s Journey in AI:
Coldicutt’s journey in AI began in the mid-1990s when she started working in the tech industry. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment she became interested in AI, she has been using automated processes and data-driven decision-making since the early 2000s. She believes that the popularity of AI as a topic of discussion surged around 2014 when DeepMind was acquired by Google. However, many of the underlying technologies now classified as AI were already in use before that. Coldicutt’s fascination with technology lies in its empowering nature and its ability to shape society.
Proud Work in the AI Field:
One of Coldicutt’s proudest accomplishments in the AI field is her policy framing and social impact assessments. Through her work with government departments, charities, and businesses, she has helped them use AI and related technologies in intentional and trustworthy ways. As the CEO of Doteveryone, a responsible tech think tank, Coldicutt played a crucial role in changing how policymakers in the UK perceive emerging technologies. She developed a free Consequence Scanning tool that is now used globally to anticipate the social, environmental, and political impacts of new products and features.
Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry:
Coldicutt acknowledges that the tech industry, including the AI sector, is predominantly male-dominated. She notes that progress in gender representation has suffered setbacks in recent years. Research from the Turing Institute reveals that less than 1% of AI sector investments have gone to women-led startups, and women constitute only a quarter of the overall tech workforce. The gender disparity is evident at AI conferences and events, where women often lack representation and opportunities to share their work. Coldicutt overcomes these challenges due to her privilege of running her own organization. She strives for equity within her feminist business, aiming to set an example for others.
Advice for Women in AI:
Coldicutt offers advice to women seeking to enter the AI field. She advises against confining oneself to a “women’s issue” field and encourages women not to be deterred by the hype surrounding AI. It is essential to seek out peers and build friendships with others in the industry to create a support network. Coldicutt emphasizes the significance of hiring well and challenging existing structures and norms. Building a network and staying connected with like-minded individuals can provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Pressing Issues in AI’s Evolution:
According to Coldicutt, AI acts as an intensifier, amplifying existing issues and inequalities. She highlights the need for democratic and accountable AI that does not solely benefit a select few CEOs. Coldicutt emphasizes the climate, health, and social justice impacts of AI, particularly its energy consumption and exploitation of natural resources. She calls for responsible development that prioritizes environmental sustainability and community governance.
Awareness of AI User Issues:
In addition to environmental and economic concerns, Coldicutt encourages users to consider the day-to-day impacts of AI on human interactions. She suggests evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of automation and advocating for better outcomes as consumers. Coldicutt emphasizes that users should not settle for poor-quality automation but demand improvements.
Responsible AI Building:
Coldicutt believes responsible AI starts with strategic choices rather than blindly relying on algorithms. She advocates for building AI that maximizes benefits for people and the planet while minimizing harm. At Careful Trouble, Coldicutt’s organization, they work with boards and senior teams to map out how AI aligns with their vision and values. Responsible development requires continuous monitoring and mitigation, treating it as an ongoing and living process.
Investors’ Role in Promoting Responsible AI:
Coldicutt suggests that investors can promote responsible AI by making patient investments, supporting diverse founders and teams, and not solely seeking exponential returns. By prioritizing ethical considerations and long-term impact, investors can contribute to a more responsible AI ecosystem.
Conclusion:
Rachel Coldicutt’s journey in the tech industry, particularly in the AI field, showcases her commitment to responsible and equitable AI. Her work in policy framing, social impact assessments, and creating tools for anticipating the consequences of new technologies has had a significant impact. Coldicutt addresses the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated tech industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring women in AI. She emphasizes the pressing issues in AI’s evolution, such as environmental sustainability and social justice. Coldicutt encourages users to be aware of the impacts of AI on everyday interactions and advocates for responsible AI building. Overall, her insights and expertise contribute to a more inclusive and responsible AI landscape.
