Human Rights and AI: What’s the Big Deal?

Yes indeed, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the biggest changes we’re seeing. AI is helping in cool ways like powering voice assistants on our phones, like Siri or Google Assistant, Netflix and Spotify suggesting what to watch or listen to, ChatGPT helping to get quick answers to questions. However, as we enjoy the benefits, we also need to ask ourselves: how does AI affect our human rights?

Why Should We Care?

Well, while AI can be helpful, it can also affect our human rights in big ways:

1. Your Privacy May Be at Risk

AI uses personal data like your name, photos, voice, or even your location to work well. Sometimes, this information is collected without your permission, and that makes it a big problem because everyone has a right to privacy.

2. Bias and Discrimination

If the data used to train AI is biased (let's say, only based on certain groups of people), the system might make biased decisions. For example, an AI used for job hiring might leave out qualified people just because of their background or where they’re from. That’s not okay.

3. Hindering Freedom of Speech

AI can be used to watch what people post or say online. While this can reduce harmful content, it can also silence honest opinions if not handled carefully.

4. Who’s Responsible When AI Makes a Mistake?

Imagine asking ChatGPT for travel advice and it gives the wrong visa info. You make plans based on that then find out it was wrong. Who’s to blame? The tool? The company? That’s why we need clear rules and accountability.

What Can We Do?

• Make Better Rules: We need strong laws that protect people’s rights when AI is involved.

• Be Honest: Companies should be more open and transparent about how they use AI.

• Promote Inclusion: AI should be designed to help everyone, not just a select few.

• Educate the Public: The more people understand how AI works, the better and safer we can all use it.

AI is here to stay and it can be used to do a lot of good if we use it the right way. We have to make sure it respects everyone’s rights. That way, it can be truly helpful to all.