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Amnesty International Calls on European Parliament to Ban Racist AI Systems
Human rights organization Amnesty International is urging the European Parliament to ban the use of mass surveillance technologies, including facial recognition, in the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). The organization asserts that these technologies are in conflict with international human rights law and amplify racist and discriminatory law enforcement against marginalized communities. On June 14, in a plenary vote, the European Parliament will cement its final position on the AI Act, a historic piece of legislation that could determine how new technologies are developed and deployed in Europe.
The Danger of Racist AI Systems
According to Amnesty International, the use of invasive facial recognition technology has already been linked to discriminatory law enforcement against racialized individuals, particularly Black and brown people. This technology has also been used to restrict the movement of asylum seekers and migrants. There is a possibility that by allowing these technologies in the AI Act, the European Parliament could overturn human rights protections established during the committee vote on May 11. As Mher Hakobyan, Advocacy Advisor on AI Regulation at Amnesty International, explains, “with such a persistently inhospitable environment towards people fleeing wars and conflict or in search of a better life, it is vital that the European Parliament doesn’t dismiss the harms of racist AI systems.”
A Call for Lawmakers to Ban Racist Profiling and Risk Assessment Systems
Amnesty International is calling on lawmakers to ban racist profiling and risk assessment systems in the AI Act. These systems, according to the organization, are used to label migrants and asylum seekers as “threats” and to predict border movements and deny people the right to asylum. It is crucial for the European Parliament to uphold human rights and ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all people, including individuals outside of Europe.
The AI Act and the Export of Draconian Technologies
While the AI Act can help prevent and reduce harm caused by new technologies in Europe, it is equally important to ensure that the EU doesn’t contribute to human rights violations by exporting these technologies beyond its borders. Amnesty International has uncovered that various EU-based companies sold digital surveillance systems, such as facial recognition technology and network cameras, to key players of the Chinese mass surveillance apparatus. In some instances, these technologies were used against predominantly Muslim ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, throughout the country. Similarly, cameras made by the Dutch company TKH Security have been used in public spaces and attached to police infrastructure in occupied East Jerusalem, entrenching the Israeli government’s control over Palestinians and Israel’s system of apartheid against Palestinians. This legislation must protect and promote the human rights of all people, not just those in Europe.
Conclusion
As we move into a world that is increasingly reliant on AI and automated decision-making, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies do not perpetuate social injustices or human rights violations. The AI Act represents a rare opportunity for the European Union to lead the way in establishing ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and deployment of new technologies. The European Parliament must seize this opportunity and ban racist and discriminatory profiling systems that target migrants and other marginalized groups.
Furthermore, lawmakers must ensure that these technologies are not exported to countries where they may be used to commit human rights abuses. If the European Parliament fails to take these necessary steps, it risks setting a dangerous and unfortunate precedent for the rest of the world.
<< photo by Stephane Hurbe >>