ADC debates artificial intelligence at event held by EU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On March 21 and 22, the Asociación por los Derechos Civiles (Association for Civil Rights – ADC) attended the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence held in Buenos Aires by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, the Delegation of the European Union in Argentina, and Team Europe. Our organization was represented by Valeria Milanes, ADC executive director, Alejandro Segarra, head of Strategic Litigation, and project leader Eduardo Ferreyra, who underlined ADC’s record in the field, both at the domestic and the international level.
During Workshop 1, Ethics and AI: an overview of ethical dilemmas related to AI, Valeria Milanes pointed out three aspects when considering the proposed subject. Firstly, she stated that “the frame of reference for assessing the possible impacts of artificial intelligence and data governance on individuals and societies should be international human rights standards.” Secondly, she considered that “understanding the collective dimension of various fundamental rights can serve as an overcoming element, since it favors an expansive interpretation of the safeguards in question, encompassing new phenomena posed by the technological challenges.”
Finally, Milanes stressed the need to “consider the traits and idiosyncrasies of the Latin American region, and Argentina in particular as one of its members, in global discussions, so as to reach a consensus which is respectful of its social, cultural, economic and environmental diversities. Thus, we can avoid the mere adoption of narratives and possible solutions arising from the countries that develop large-scale technology, mostly located in the Global North.”
In Workshop 2, titled The Impact and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence, Segarra emphasized on the potential impact of AI on traditional non-technological economic activities which are just beginning its implementation. “In the absence of precedents, the obligation to carry out risk assessments on fundamental rights should be thorough. Immediate impacts on the environment or possible infringements of consumers’ constitutional rights in these traditional sectors will require the development of innovative tools for control and monitoring,” he added.
Finally, during Workshop 3, Artificial intelligence and the role of public administration, Ferreyra briefly addressed the issue of the people contributing in public procedures that use AI. In this regard, he deemed that “effective citizen intervention in the design, development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence for sensitive State functions such as the provision of social security or criminal justice policies should be given priority.” He also mentioned that a key aspect to be considered is that “government AI initiatives must ensure meaningful engagement by external actors, including citizens.
