AI for the world, or just the West? How researchers are tackling Big Tech's global gaps
The researchers are focusing on developing AI technologies that are relevant and beneficial to their local communities. By tailoring AI solutions to address regional challenges, they aim to bridge the technology gap and promote inclusive innovation. Their efforts highlight the importance of diversity and representation in the development of AI applications. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, they are working towards creating more inclusive and impactful AI solutions for Africa. Their work underscores the need for a global perspective in AI development to ensure that technology serves the needs of all populations.
Since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has become significantly entrenched in our lives. But popular AI products are set up to serve primarily American and European interests, despite being touted as global tools democratizing access to technology, from the use cases they're applied to the languages they speak.
African Researchers Challenging the Status Quo
Several African researchers outside tech's US nucleus are trying to challenge that status quo and, with it, the bigger power dynamics at play in the AI industry.
The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR)
The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) is an international group of researchers and technologists focused on what it calls "independent and community-rooted AI research free from Big Tech's pervasive influence." DAIR members are creating Africa-centric AI solutions that prioritize historically dispossessed communities over multinational corporations or solely Western users.
Nyalleng Moorosi's Perspective
Nyalleng Moorosi, a senior researcher at DAIR based in Lesotho, emphasizes the importance of equity in the tech space. Her background in machine learning and teaching in South African public schools has shaped her philosophies around AI solutions that serve societal needs.
After teaching, Moorosi worked at Google Africa AI research lab in Ghana, where she developed methodologies to ensure responsible AI systems. Moorosi, alongside Timnit Gebru, the founder of DAIR, aimed to centralize power within communities historically excluded by the tech industry.
DAIR's AI Study
In 2018, Moorosi, Gebru, and DAIR fellow Raesetje Sefala collected satellite imagery to track changes in South African townships post-apartheid. The study aimed to understand how historical segregation affected the lives of residents in these underdeveloped neighborhoods.
The study faced challenges when trying to publish findings due to a lack of recognition from predominantly white Western academic institutions, which failed to acknowledge it as AI research.
Lesan AI - Focusing on Indigenous African Languages
Asmelash Teka Hadgu, co-founder of Lesan AI and research fellow at DAIR, highlighted the importance of Lesan's language translation and transcription tool for Indigenous African languages such as Amharic and Tigrinya. Lesan AI aims to fill the gap left by popular language models that neglect African languages.
Challenges with Representation and Funding
Addressing the challenges faced by African languages in AI development, Asmelash Teka Hadgu criticized the lack of resources allocated by big tech companies for low-resource languages. He emphasized the need to prioritize local languages in AI development to ensure accurate representation and accessibility.
Empowering Communities through AI
Startups like Ghana NLP are focusing on developing AI solutions for African languages that have been excluded from mainstream products. These initiatives not only bridge the linguistic gap but also empower local communities by retaining control over their data and cultural specificities.
AI Governance in Africa
African countries are working towards establishing frameworks for AI governance to combat the influence of multinational corporations and ensure equitable access to AI technologies. Efforts are being made to develop regulations that address the unique challenges faced by the continent in AI development.
HONESTAI ANALYSIS
As AI continues to influence various aspects of society, it is crucial to ensure that diverse voices are represented in its development. By prioritizing equity, cultural specificity, and community empowerment, AI can be harnessed as a tool for inclusivity and progress.