As artificial intelligence evolves at breakneck speed, many voices are emerging within the tech and academic communities to address the ethical complexities of AI. One of these voices is Sarah Myers West, a luminary in the field who has distinguished herself through her extensive research on the social implications of AI. At the helm of the AI Now Institute, West engages in critical discussions about the intersection of technology and public policy, aiming to ensure that AI serves public needs rather than corporate interests. This blog post delves into her insights, shedding light on the responsibilities of AI developers and the pressing issues that need addressing as the technology matures.

From Cynicism to Activism: Sarah Myers West’s Journey

Sarah Myers West’s foray into AI was not born from technical fascination but from a deep-seated concern over the sociopolitical ramifications of technology. With over 15 years of experience scrutinizing tech companies as influential political players, West has dedicated her career to interrogating how AI and similar technologies can perpetuate inequality and injustice.

• Witness to Change: West has analyzed how U.S. tech corporations affect global governance structures. Her earlier work focused on how industry lobbying crafted the prevailing narrative around surveillance technologies.
• Dystopian Futures: Throughout her career, West has often posed the question: “Why are we locked into dystopian visions of the future?” Her research emphasizes that it’s not merely about the technology itself; public policy and commercialization play pivotal roles.

Pioneering Regulatory Work at the FTC

Among her notable contributions, West cites her tenure at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as a pivotal point. Here, she aimed to leverage her research expertise to scrutinize the practices of powerful tech entities actively.

• Accountability: West took pride in working on regulatory enforcement that aimed to hold these companies accountable. Her methodology merged investigative rigor with impactful real-world applications.
• Immediate Impact: She recalls the satisfaction of using her insight to address issues like worker disenfranchisement and exploitative pricing driven by AI technology.

Addressing the Urgency of Ethical AI

As AI technologies permeate sectors crucial to daily life – from healthcare to the education system – West underscores the urgency with which these technologies need to be tested and validated. Unfortunately, the reality is often starkly different.

• Unjust Errors: AI is prone to errors, and research shows that these errors disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This ethical oversight can no longer be tolerated.
• AI as Justification: Institutions are increasingly using AI technologies, regardless of their limitations, to justify actions that can lead to significant societal harm, from military applications to systemic discrimination.

The Foundational Question: Why Build AI?

West advocates for a foundational question to guide AI development: “Why build AI at all?” This prompts developers to consider the necessity and appropriateness of using AI in their projects. Often, as West points out, the answer may be to not build at all.

• Assessment of Needs: Before embarking on an AI project, stakeholders should assess whether it genuinely adds value or simply perpetuates existing issues.
• Accountability Mechanisms: For projects that should proceed, West urges developers to establish clear compliance frameworks and maintain transparency to allow external scrutiny.

Conclusion: The Path Forward for AI Development

Sarah Myers West’s contributions to the AI discourse provide a roadmap for responsible AI development. By challenging existing narratives and advocating for rigorous scrutiny, West illustrates that artificial intelligence must not only be about innovation but must prioritize societal welfare. The evolving landscape of AI requires a coalition of technologists, legislators, and the public working together to navigate its complexities responsibly.

At **[fxis.ai](https://fxis.ai)**, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations. For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with **[fxis.ai](https://fxis.ai)**.