Description:

The panel will address the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cultural sector and its ethical implications from the perspective of the Global South, given the digital and creative gaps that tend to deepen in this scenario. In this regard, it will discuss opportunities and challenges posed by AI applications especially for the protection and the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, considering the context of Latin America and the Caribbean and African countries.

AI is currently completely imbricated not only in science and technology, but also in daily activities and multiple aspects of society. Although the debate around the topic is not new, the expansion of computing power and the gigantic production of data associated with large storage capacity has allowed unprecedented exponential advances. AI applications represent enormous potential to help humanity in diverse areas, including in health, education and culture. On the other hand, such possibilties also bring numerous concerns, demanding a careful look at issues related to data privacy, transparency, explainability and accountability, as well as the potential deepening of discrimination and inequalities arising from different sources, such as the datasets used to train algorithms.

In the cultural sector, in particular, AI has been increasingly used in the creation of artistic works by machine learning mechanisms; in the production, edition and adaptation of cultural contents; in cultural mediation, through guided tours and virtual assistants; in the organization and availability of digital collections; on data analysis for audience mapping and development of promotional strategies in cultural management; and, in particular, in the dissemination of content on digital platforms, with their recommendation systems based on algorithms. Despite its impact on culture, there are few political and strategic frameworks that address the topic, as well as research and public debates.

A holistic and comprehensive approach that considers ethical principles is needed to examine the impacts of such applications. These may include the overconcentration of data monitored by AI in large digital platforms from Northern countries; the reinforcement of digital and creative divides between the North and the Global South; the risks that may arise from underrepresentation of groups on datasets and algorithms’ development; the debate on the ethics of AI, considering diversity as an important input; and the need for international collaboration on human-centered AI and sustainable development.

To address these issues, the panel will provide an overview of AI applications in the cultural field at different stages of the cultural value cycle – including creation, production, distribution, access, and participation. It will debate potential benefits and challenges of AI for the preservation, creation, and dissemination of the diversity of cultural expressions from the perspective of the Global South, especially in countries from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Finally, in view of advancing this agenda, it will discuss recommendations related to AI and data governance, research development and innovation, infrastructure, training and regulation.