Highlights from FARI and the EU’s Vision for Ethical Tech :
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just the future—it’s a transformative force shaping our daily lives. But with this power comes immense responsibility, a key focus of the AI for the Common Good Conference hosted by FARI (the AI Institute for the Common Good) In December 2024.
This article explores the event’s standout themes, connects them to the EU’s AI regulatory framework, and highlights why this matters for creating a more inclusive and equitable technological future.
AI for the Common Good: Big Ideas from FARI
The FARI conference brought together leading experts, policymakers, and changemakers to discuss how AI can drive positive societal outcomes. Here are the key insights that stood out:
1. Ethics and Fairness as Foundations
One major theme was the critical need to embed ethics into AI systems at every stage. From tackling bias in hiring algorithms to ensuring facial recognition tools are non-discriminatory, the discussions underscored that AI must work for everyone, not just the privileged few.
Imagine AI as a force for empowerment—this vision came to life at the conference through groundbreaking examples of ethical AI solutions. These projects are not just about technology but about reshaping industries to be more inclusive and equitable:
• Justice Made Accessible: Picture an AI-powered legal assistant simplifying complex legal jargon, empowering women and marginalised groups to navigate the justice system with confidence. These innovative tools ensure that seeking justice is no longer a privilege but a right accessible to all.
• Revolutionising Healthcare: Cutting-edge AI diagnostic tools are transforming healthcare in underserved regions. By using image recognition to detect diseases like breast cancer early, these solutions bring critical medical expertise to communities that need it most—bridging the gap in global healthcare access.
• Bias-Free Hiring: Imagine a hiring process driven by fairness, where AI tools eliminate bias by focusing solely on skills and qualifications. These systems create opportunities for talent from all backgrounds, paving the way for truly diverse workplaces.
These examples showcase the power of ethical AI to drive real, measurable change. They’re not just ideas—they’re a glimpse into a future where technology works for everyone, creating a world that’s fairer, healthier, and more inclusive.
2. The EU’s Regulatory Framework: From Policy to Practice
The EU’s AI regulatory framework emerged as a leading model for balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. By categorising AI systems into risk levels—unacceptable, high-risk, limited-risk, and minimal-risk—the framework provides clear guidance for businesses while safeguarding public interests.
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) is redefining the global approach to ethical AI innovation with a structured timeline for implementation. Adopted on July 12, 2024, and entering into force on August 1, 2024, the Act sets clear milestones to ensure businesses and policymakers align with its standards. By February 1, 2025, prohibitions on “unacceptable risk” AI systems—such as manipulative or harmful technologies—will take effect, demonstrating the EU’s commitment to safeguarding public interests. By August 2, 2025, Member States are required to establish regulatory sandboxes and appoint national competent authorities, paving the way for innovation within a responsible framework. The majority of provisions, including compliance obligations for high-risk AI systems, will be enforceable by August 2, 2026, ensuring a gradual yet firm transition to a future where AI development is both innovative and ethically sound.
3. Real-World Applications: AI as a Force for Good
The most inspiring moments were hearing about AI projects already driving social change. Examples included tools enabling women to access justice and programs supporting underserved communities. The FARI conference brought to light incredible initiatives showcasing how technology can drive meaningful social change. One standout was AccessAva, a groundbreaking chatbot that simplifies legal jargon, making justice accessible to women and underserved communities by guiding them through complex legal systems with ease. In healthcare, AI Clinics on Mobile (AICOM) is revolutionising early disease detection by offering affordable diagnostic tools on mobile phones, reaching remote areas where healthcare access is limited. Another inspiring example, the Signpost Project by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), helps displaced individuals find safety and critical resources while combating misinformation. These projects remind us of the power of innovation to break down barriers and create opportunities where they’re needed most, inspiring a brighter, more inclusive future.
4. Collaboration: A Shared Responsibility
AI’s challenges require collective action. Policymakers, businesses, and organisations like FARI must work together to ensure AI is both innovative and inclusive. This collaborative approach aligns with the EU’s broader vision of ethical AI governance—bringing diverse voices together to drive meaningful change.
The EU’s AI Framework: Building on FARI’s Vision
The EU’s regulatory framework is a natural extension of the discussions at FARI. It goes beyond promoting innovation—it prioritises trust, accountability, and protection for those affected by AI systems.
By addressing high-risk technologies—such as biometric surveillance or behaviour manipulation—the framework ensures these systems are either banned or tightly regulated. Meanwhile, lower-risk applications, like chatbots or spam filters, benefit from lighter oversight.
For women in tech, this framework opens new opportunities:
• Driving Leadership: The growing emphasis on ethical governance creates space for leaders who combine technological expertise with a human-centred approach.
• Promoting Inclusion: Ethical AI frameworks ensure that technologies close gaps rather than exacerbate them, protecting marginalised communities.
• Fueling Innovation: Diverse voices are key to creating tools that serve everyone effectively, ensuring AI systems are both equitable and representative.
We’ll closely follow the evolution of the EU’s AI framework, ensuring our work aligns with its vision for a responsible, inclusive technological landscape.
Article written by Beatrice Irem Guler
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References :
FARI (AI Institute for the Common Good): An independent, not-for-profit initiative led by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), focusing on ethical AI, data, and robotics research.
AccessAva: A free legal guidance chatbot developed by Access Social Care, providing information about social care law in England.
AI Clinics on Mobile (AICOM): An open-source project aimed at developing AI-based disease diagnostics on affordable mobile phones to improve healthcare access in underserved regions.
Signpost Project by the International Rescue Committee (IRC): A community-led information service that empowers clients in times of crisis by providing timely and actionable information.
