Unveiling the Untold Stories: Remarkable Women in AI
In an effort to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the AI revolution, TechCrunch has launched a series of interviews. These interviews aim to give AI-focused women academics and others the recognition they deserve. As the AI boom continues, TechCrunch recognizes the importance of highlighting the key work that often goes unnoticed.
One of the women featured in this series is Sarah Myers West, the managing director at the AI Now Institute. This American research institute focuses on studying the social implications of AI and conducting policy research to address the concentration of power in the tech industry. Prior to her role at the AI Now Institute, West served as a senior adviser on AI at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and is also a visiting research scientist at Northeastern University.
West’s journey into the world of AI began with her exploration of tech companies as powerful political actors. She observed how these companies shaped the political landscape on a global scale. Her book delved into the influence of industry lobbying and regulation in shaping the surveillance business model for the internet. Through her research, she discovered that the dystopian vision of the future often associated with AI is not solely a result of the technology itself, but rather a consequence of public policy and commercialization.
This realization became the driving force behind West’s work. As co-director of AI Now, she believes that if AI is going to be integrated into our daily lives, we need to critically examine the institutions that produce it. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the public’s needs are prioritized over those of tech companies through regulation and organizing efforts.
One of West’s most significant accomplishments in the AI field was her work at the FTC. As part of this U.S. government agency, she played a crucial role in regulatory enforcement of artificial intelligence. She describes how she used her methods training as a researcher to engage in investigative work, holding powerful entities accountable. The impact of this work was tangible, addressing issues such as the devaluation of workers and anti-competitive behavior by big tech companies.
When discussing the pressing issues facing AI as it evolves, West highlights two key concerns. Firstly, AI technologies are being used in sensitive contexts without proper validation and testing, leading to disproportionate harm to marginalized communities. Secondly, she raises concerns about how powerful institutions are using AI as a justification for their actions, regardless of its effectiveness. This highlights a problem of discourse and the need to critically examine how our culture perceives and utilizes AI.
In terms of responsibly building AI, West emphasizes the importance of starting with the question of why AI is being built in the first place. Developers need to consider if AI technology is truly necessary for the intended purpose. Transparency and compliance with the law are crucial when building AI systems, allowing for independent researchers to validate and assess their functionality. However, there are instances where it is best not to build AI at all, particularly when it comes to weapons or surveillance technology.
Sarah Myers West’s insights and contributions to the field of AI provide valuable perspectives on the social implications and policy considerations surrounding this rapidly evolving technology. By recognizing and amplifying the voices of women like West, TechCrunch aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse AI community.
