Queering the ethics of AI

TL;DR

This chapter advocates for rethinking AI ethics through queer and intersectional perspectives to address discrimination, inequality, and bias, emphasizing inclusive, equitable, and vulnerable-informed design approaches.

Contribution

It introduces an interdisciplinary, intersectionality-based framework for ethical AI design that challenges normative assumptions and promotes inclusivity and equity.

Findings

AI can perpetuate discrimination and inequalities.

Intersectional and vulnerability-informed approaches improve AI inclusivity.

Critical examination of legal and ethical norms is necessary.

Abstract

This book chapter delves into the pressing need to "queer" the ethics of AI to challenge and re-evaluate the normative suppositions and values that underlie AI systems. The chapter emphasizes the ethical concerns surrounding the potential for AI to perpetuate discrimination, including binarism, and amplify existing inequalities due to the lack of representative datasets and the affordances and constraints depending on technology readiness. The chapter argues that a critical examination of the neoliberal conception of equality that often underpins non-discrimination law is necessary and cannot stress more the need to create alternative interdisciplinary approaches that consider the complex and intersecting factors that shape individuals' experiences of discrimination. By exploring such approaches centering on intersectionality and vulnerability-informed design, the chapter contends that designers and developers can create more ethical AI systems that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs and experiences of all individuals and communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable to discrimination and harm.