Representation of Libraries in Artificial Intelligence Regulations and Implications for Ethics and Practice

ABSTRACT

We are already living in an algorithmic society. AI policies and regulations are now emerging at the same time as more is learned about the implications of bias in machine learning sets, the surveillance risks of smart cities and facial recognition, and automated decision-making by government, among many other applications of AI and machine learning. Each of these issues raises concerns around ethics, privacy, and data protection. This paper introduces some of the key AI regulatory developments to date and engagement by libraries in these processes. While many AI applications are largely emergent and hypothetical in libraries, some mature examples can be identified in research literature searching, language tools for textual analysis, and access to collection data. The paper presents a summary of how library activities such as these are represented in national AI plans and ways that libraries have engaged with other aspects of AI regulation including the development of ethical frameworks. Based on the sector's expertise in related regulatory issues including copyright and data protection, the paper suggests further opportunities to contribute to the future of ethical, trustworthy, and transparent AI.

KEYWORDS:

• Regulation
• governance
• artificial intelligence
• libraries

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fiona Bradley

Fiona Bradley is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Social Studies (Political Science and International Relations), University of Western Australia and Director, Research & Infrastructure (Library) at UNSW Sydney.