OPINION – Algorithmic Justice. An Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science focused on developing systems and programs capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, computer vision, decision-making, learning, and problem-solving. While its use can be extremely beneficial, it also raises several issues that must be addressed urgently.

For example, the transformation of work and digital inequality are profound challenges, especially in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, where structural inequalities are already pronounced. AI-driven automation is reshaping the labor market, eliminating jobs in sectors traditionally occupied by less-skilled workers and concentrating opportunities in areas of high technological specialization. This reinforces existing gaps, as access to advanced training and digital resources remains limited for large segments of the population. Moreover, digital inequality is not limited to access to technology, but also extends to the skills to use it meaningfully, perpetuating historical patterns of exclusion based on gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Furthermore, the changes and impacts of AI on privacy and surveillance are worrying. For example, the intensive use of algorithms to collect, analyze, and use personal data raises serious concerns about how individuals' rights are guaranteed in a context where these technologies operate as "black boxes." This can lead to discriminatory practices, such as algorithmic racism or the disproportionate surveillance of certain social groups. Cases such as the misidentification of people in facial recognition systems or the use of algorithms to predict "risks" based on biased data illustrate the dangers of implementing AI without adequate ethical and regulatory controls.

In this context, the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial IntelligenceAdopted in November 2021 by 193 Member States, the AI ​​Framework for the Development of Human Rights stands as the first global ethical framework to address these challenges. Its objectives include ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the design and use of AI, with a special focus on preventing the perpetuation of structural inequalities, discriminatory uses based on skin color, gender, age, nationality, and other factors, and protecting vulnerable groups. Furthermore, it underscores the need to regulate algorithmic "black boxes" to ensure that decision-making processes are auditable and understandable, and to promote the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the development of these technologies.

As AI transforms key sectors such as health, education, and security, its development must be aligned with sound ethical principles. This will not only mitigate the risks of discrimination and exclusion but also ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably, contributing to global well-being and a more inclusive society.

Therefore, CLACSO and UNESCO Ecuador launched the call Algorithmic Justice: An Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean, whose main objective is the production of Policy Briefs that promote synergy between academic research and informed public decision-making, through the development of analyses, policy recommendations, and social intervention actions based on the ethical and responsible use of AI.

They were opened 75 forms and were finally received 35 applications, which after the technical and formal review, were in a position to be qualitatively evaluated by the International Committee to consider the quality, relevance and coherence of the proposals according to the Call. 

The evaluation process was carried out by an International Committee composed of 9 experts 4 The committee members were: Marco Benalcázar (Ecuador), Marta Bianchi (Argentina), Carolina Hevia (Ecuador), Silvia Lago Martínez (Argentina), Fernando Laredo (Argentina), Graciela Nathanson (Argentina), Isabel Ramos (Ecuador), Carla Texeira (Brazil), and Stephane Vinolo (France). This committee carried out the first phase of evaluating the submitted projects.

As a second phase, the organizing team, made up of CLACSO and UNESCO, reviewed the proposals taking into account the call's guidelines, the technical quality of the proposals, and the relevance of the topics to be addressed within the framework of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence UNESCO's balance of areas for research development, among other technical and methodological criteria. 

After the entire evaluation process, which recognized the excellent quality, relevance, and rigor of most of the applications, five (5) proposals were selected for the development of the policy briefsIn at least 3 of them, the presence of researchers with work in and/or about Ecuador.

The list of selected proposals from the Call for Proposals is as follows:

This ruling is irrevocable and cannot be appealed.

Buenos Aires and Quito, December 3, 2024