AI is being presented as something to “sprinkle on” to public and private sector tasks, magically delivering innovation and efficiency gains. AI skills are framed in terms of technical competence for officials and industry. Yet, this perpetuates the exclusion, elitism, and corporate capture that has dominated AI development to date: and it ignores the wealth of evidence that adopting, adapting to, or even resisting AI, is not just a technical task – but one that requires many more perspectives.
Members of the public, young and old, are affected by the introduction of AI, and are gaining first-hand experience of both advantages and the bias and discrimination AI can amplify. When Connected by Data organised the People’s Panel on AI, a citizens’ jury bringing together everyday people, we saw first-hand how most people feel there is no adequate access to clear information and opportunities to learn about how AI affect their lives. Existing training is too often designed by tech firms with vested interests in selling their products, rather than fostering critical digital consumers and citizens.
The open letter we both signed calls for “opportunities for parents, older people, the voluntary sector, people from underserved and marginalised communities, and individuals from every walk of life to develop their own understanding of, and perspectives on, AI”. Mark’s research has underscored how, in particular, adversely-racialised people deeply understand the problems these technologies bring and, if listened to, can articulate powerful ideas for better safeguarding and design.
Our goal, an inclusive AI literacy agenda that supports participatory and collective decision making around AI, is not idealistic nor over-optimistic, but grounded in evidence and experience of participatory approach to technology. We must equip and trust informed publics to navigate AI’s opportunities and limitations. After all, people are experts of their own lives. Although the apparent pace of AI change can often feel disorienting, it would not take much to shift conversations so we can all feel a little more in control. Critical AI literacy should be available to all, to help people navigate living with AI and making real choices about how they want to engage or not.
The message to Westminster is clear: rethink and democratise the future of AI skills. AI should be developed not only to benefit those at the top, but with and by all members of society, especially those who risk being harmed most. These voices must be listened to, their capability and autonomy fostered and recognised in any AI skills investment. Craft this future collectively and socially just for all – let the public not the technology flourish above all.
Tim Davies is Director of Research & Practice at Connected by Data, the campaign for communities to have a powerful voice in the governance of data and AI. Mark Wong is Senior Lecturer and Subject Group Lead of Social and Urban Policy at University of Glasgow.
