Description: Vulnerable populations refer to groups of people who, due to various social, economic, or cultural circumstances, are at greater risk of being negatively affected by biased artificial intelligence (AI) systems. These populations may include, but are not limited to, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women, the elderly, and low-income individuals. Vulnerability can arise from a lack of access to resources, historical discrimination, or social exclusion, making them more susceptible to automated decisions that may perpetuate existing inequalities. Ethics in AI focuses on the need to design systems that are fair and equitable, avoiding the amplification of these populations’ disadvantages due to inherent biases in data or algorithms. Identifying and protecting vulnerable populations is crucial to ensure that technology is used responsibly and that its benefits are distributed equitably across society. Considering these populations in AI development is not only an ethical imperative but also essential for building trust in technology and ensuring its widespread acceptance.
