All Article Summaries

Artificial intelligence (AI) relies on natural resources, low-cost labor, and data. The production of AI technology harms the environment. AI systems rely on low-wage workers.

In many jurisdictions, police data is tainted by a history of racial bias, planted evidence, and distorted reporting. Predictive policing systems trained on this data may perpetuate bias.

Governments often use artificial intelligence (AI) systems developed by private firms to make key decisions, but disclaim responsibility for problems with the software.

Technological changes now enable employers to track the movement of employees inside and outside the workplace. The law has not changed to respond to this new type of surveillance. The loss of workers’ privacy is harmful in itself; worker privacy should be considered a civil right.

Use of big data in academic and industry research is growing. Studies of human psychology, biology, and behavior must be ethical. Researchers should start by recognizing that careless use of data can be harmful.

Public spaces like YouTube use algorithms to search, rank, and recommend information. Algorithms produce “winners” in information contests, but with little visibility or accountability.

This article challenges the assumption that only large sets of data provide the best information to social scientists.