**AI Reflects Our Biases and Women Must Help Shape It, Cyprus Commissioner Warns**
Nicosia, Cyprus – At the Cyprus Forum, Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou emphasized the critical need for women's involvement in the design and development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. During a fireside discussion titled “AI and Equal Participation: Who Shapes the Digital State?”, Christodoulou highlighted how AI systems are currently reproducing human biases and gender stereotypes, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.
Christodoulou stated, “We start by confirming that indeed AI is biased,” pointing to the foundational data on which AI systems are trained and the demographics of those involved in their creation. The discussion was moderated by Andreas Demetriou, a founding member and Legal Advisor of AI³, along with Rodoula Papalambrianou, Scientific Coordinator at Hope For Children CRC Policy Center.
The Commissioner explained that AI models do not develop their assumptions independently; rather, they learn from existing materials that may already reflect entrenched social stereotypes. For instance, she noted, “If you give a model a thousand books where in all 1,000 examples the doctor is a man and the nurse is a woman, it will assume the next doctor is a man,” illustrating how biases can be perpetuated through technology.
Christodoulou stressed that the underrepresentation of women in technology and innovation sectors exacerbates the issue, as those who develop new systems inevitably shape the experiences and perspectives that are included. To combat this, she advocates for early intervention, suggesting that schools play a pivotal role in encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and technology. “We have to work from school so that we give girls the opportunity to engage in science,” she said, emphasizing that both boys and girls should have the freedom to choose their educational and career paths without societal expectations limiting their options.
However, the challenge extends beyond merely increasing the number of women in technology fields. Christodoulou pointed out a concerning trend where women often leave technology-related professions, particularly after starting families. She attributed this to cultural stereotypes and societal expectations that begin influencing children at a young age. The goal, she argued, should be to create an environment where both boys and girls can make their own choices regarding their futures.
Christodoulou further asserted that representation in technology is vital not only for visibility but also for ensuring that women have a significant role in shaping how emerging technologies are developed and utilized. “Technology must be designed to serve women. The decision-making must include them,” she stated.
The discussion at the Cyprus Forum also addressed the implications of AI on children, as Papalambrianou raised concerns about the potential for online violence facilitated by AI technologies, such as deepfake technology. She argued that the solution cannot simply be a binary choice between banning technology and allowing unrestricted access. Instead, children must be equipped with the knowledge to understand and critically evaluate the technology they encounter.
Papalambrianou noted that many young people exhibit a high degree of trust in technology, often treating AI as a reliable source of information and guidance. This underscores the need for enhanced digital literacy and critical thinking skills among children, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to the risks associated with AI. She called for a cohesive approach to digital literacy across the education system.
Moreover, both Christodoulou and Papalambrianou emphasized the necessity of human oversight in addressing the challenges posed by AI. “It will not be solved by an algorithm,” Papalambrianou stated, advocating for human involvement in mitigating the risks associated with technology.
Christodoulou concluded by highlighting that creating less discriminatory technology requires collaboration beyond just government and educational institutions. She called for the inclusion of boys and men in the conversation, as well as private companies involved in AI development. The responsibility for addressing these biases, she noted, is collective, with AI reflecting the existing data, assumptions, inequalities, and stereotypes present in society.
The insights shared at the Cyprus Forum underline the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to AI development, advocating for gender equality and critical engagement with technology to ensure that it serves all members of society effectively.