Sustainable Development Goals and the Risks of AI in the Justice System
Introduction
In her book “Freedom to Think” (Atlantic Books, 2023), Susie Alegre, a respected barrister from Doughty Street Chambers, criticizes AI in the legal and criminal justice systems for producing biased predictions based on flawed information. This report explores the risks associated with AI and emphasizes the importance of addressing these risks to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Biases of AI in Criminal Justice
AI and predictive analytics can only model human systems and automate existing biases. If algorithms are built on biased views of human behavior, they will only confirm those biases. Silkie Carlo, Director of citizen rights organization Big Brother Watch, warns that automated profiles increase the chances of individuals being seen as dangerous based on assumptions about their characteristics. This undermines the individual judgments that are crucial in the criminal justice system.
The Controversy of Live Facial Recognition
The UK government’s support for live facial recognition technology is controversial. While it plays into public fears of crime, its use has been outlawed in other countries. The lack of explicit legislation and parliamentary debate raises concerns about the potential misuse of this technology.
Protecting Individuals from Flawed Technologies
Flawed technologies can have severe consequences for individuals. The example of the Horizon IT/Post Office scandal, where over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly convicted, highlights the dangers of trusting technology over people. Automated decisions based on flawed algorithms and assumptions can lead to miscarriages of justice and significant harm to individuals.
Minimizing Dangers in AI Adoption
The use of AI in criminal justice raises challenges in terms of transparency and public trust. Rick Muir, Director of the Police Foundation, highlights the difficulty of scrutinizing decisions made by black-box algorithms. The automation of decision-making can create a distance between the police and the public, eroding trust and perceived fairness.
Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks in AI Adoption
The UK government aims to use AI to improve public services and increase productivity. However, the National Audit Office (NAO) found that AI is not widely used across government, with only a third of responding bodies having active use cases. The absence of a clear adoption strategy and governance framework hinders the effective implementation of AI in public services.
Addressing Risks through Standards and Skills
The NAO emphasizes the importance of standards and assurance processes in minimizing risks associated with AI adoption. However, these processes are still under development, making it challenging for government bodies to navigate the existing guidance. Additionally, the lack of skilled staff and concerns about legal risks, privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity pose significant challenges to the successful implementation of AI in public services.
Conclusion
The risks associated with AI in the justice system highlight the need for careful consideration and mitigation strategies. To achieve the SDGs, it is crucial to address biases, ensure transparency, and develop robust governance frameworks. Standards and skills development are essential to minimize risks and maximize the benefits of AI in public services.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
- SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Access to justice for all individuals
- Use of AI and algorithms in decision-making processes
- Transparency and fairness in decision-making
- Public trust and confidence in AI systems
- AI adoption and use cases in government and public services
- Skills and expertise in AI technology
- Legal risks, privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity concerns
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | – Access to justice for all individuals |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending. | – Use of AI and algorithms in decision-making processes – Transparency and fairness in decision-making – Public trust and confidence in AI systems – AI adoption and use cases in government and public services – Skills and expertise in AI technology – Legal risks, privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity concerns |
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Fuente: diginomica.com
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