Designing a Better AI Future Through Public Empowerment
Although there are many organizations dedicated to AI ethics and policy, the Center for Democratic AI takes a unique position in championing the voice of the American public.
Through our education and outreach efforts, we inform the general public on all aspects of AI, especially how AI affects existing socioeconomic systems, the impact of AI on the environment, and the ways that AI models influence daily life.
Our advocacy projects encourage individuals to connect with their elected officials and call for their involvement in shaping AI development. We aim to facilitate coordinated efforts between lawmakers and their constituents to ensure that AI benefits humanity and reflects the priorities of the public.
The Center for Democratic AI tracks existing and proposed AI policies to inform Americans about the state of AI and assesses the impacts that these laws, or lack thereof, may have on society, all in an effort to keep the public informed and engaged.
There are many organizations focused on designing ethical AI and AI that benefits humanity, including think tanks, academic institutions, and corporate Responsible AI departments. However, many of these organizations fail to account for one important stakeholder — the general public. The priorities of the general public should be taken into account during AI development, especially regarding AI’s environmental effect, the collection and use of personal data, and the impact of AI on socioeconomic wellbeing. The Center for Democratic AI provides resources for individuals and policy makers alike to tackle these three major AI ethics challenges and more.
Our Work
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Policy Proposals
Full policy proposals on key issues relating to the environment, job security, data protection, and more.
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Advocacy Templates
Outreach templates that encourage elected officials to take action on key AI regulation initiatives.
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Research Insights
Discover the impacts of AI on the environment, surveillance and more – the insights that often go overlooked.
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AI Policy Tracker
Stay up to date on the status of proposed AI legislation, understand your technological rights, and support the advancement of crucial AI regulations.
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Career Engineer : COMING SOON
Our flagship digital service aimed at helping young professionals launch stable careers and establish financial security amongst AI disruption.
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Congressional Scorecards : COMING SOON
Track how Congress is voting on AI-related issues and learn more about some of the crucial AI legislation that impacts our civil liberties.
Areas of Focus
AI & The Environment
AI requires a tremendous amount of physical, natural, and environmental resources in order to operate, much less expand. The computer chips that power AI systems are made of minerals mined from around the planet; AI data centers on large parcels of land use water- and energy-intensive cooling mechanisms; and the waste produced by the tech industry pollutes the world’s oceans and rivers. The AI industry contributes to global warming and climate changes at a time when sustainability is more necessary than ever. At the Center for Democratic AI we inform the public about AI’s effects on the environment, equipping people with tools and resources to enact sustainable change. Our research centers on developing policy solutions that spur innovation within environmentally friendly limits in order to preserve our natural world for generations to come.
AI & Social Equity
Data Collection & Privacy
Most Americans are unaware of how comprehensively they are surveilled 24 hours a day. A litany of lawsuits have revealed that technology companies continue to collect and share information from users after they have revoked data sharing consent; these companies have tracked users’ browser histories to create credit profiles on them that prevent them from getting jobs, and some AI companies use illegal means to gather sensitive health information. The biometric data, intellectual output, and behavioral patterns of most Americans has been collected and utilized to train AI, with or without their knowledge and permission. These AI systems are then implemented to influence human behavior, particularly purchasing patterns. Our work focuses on creating privacy boundaries and providing individuals with greater control and agency about how, when, and for what purposes their information is collected and shared.
AI has concentrated a massive amount of power and wealth into the hands of a few people. At the same time, AI has the potential to drastically disrupt the employment market and opportunities for long-term financial stability for many Americans. As society becomes more reliant on AI and machine learning tools, this power dynamic will only widen. Our education efforts aim to equip the public with knowledge about the many potential futures of AI and work. Our AI and Social Equity research develops policy solutions that implement protections across all social classes, so that no matter the state of AI disruption, each American will have the ability to provide for themselves and their families.
