Description: AI Impact Assessment is a critical process that seeks to analyze and anticipate the potential effects of artificial intelligence technologies on society. This process involves a thorough review of how AI applications can influence various aspects, such as privacy, fairness, security, and social well-being. The assessment focuses on identifying risks and benefits, ensuring that AI implementations are responsible and aligned with societal ethical values. As AI integrates into sectors like healthcare, education, and justice, the need for rigorous assessment becomes even more urgent. This approach aims not only to mitigate negative effects but also to maximize the positive impact of AI, promoting its use in a way that benefits all social groups. AI Impact Assessment thus becomes an essential tool for developers, policymakers, and society at large, ensuring that technological evolution occurs ethically and justly.
History: AI Impact Assessment began to gain attention in the late 2010s, in a context where the use of AI technologies was rapidly expanding. In 2016, the European Commission published a document on the ethics of artificial intelligence, which laid the groundwork for assessing its impact on society. Since then, various organizations and governments have started to develop frameworks and guidelines for conducting these assessments, recognizing the need to address the risks associated with AI.
Uses: AI Impact Assessment is primarily used in public policy development, regulation of emerging technologies, and implementation of AI systems across various industries. It helps identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that AI applications are fair and equitable. It is also applied in algorithm audits and the creation of ethical standards for AI use.
Examples: An example of AI Impact Assessment can be seen in the use of hiring algorithms, where it is evaluated how these may perpetuate gender or racial biases. Another case is the implementation of facial recognition systems, where impacts on privacy and surveillance are analyzed. In both cases, assessments aim to ensure that technologies are used responsibly and ethically.
