Are you ready for the Artificial Intelligence revolution? The Fundamental Rights Forum 2021 shines a spotlight on the AI implications for your fundamental rights.
No fewer than six sessions will specifically address the challenges, reflecting the way AI impacts all aspects of our lives.
The sessions cover everything from trust to regulation. By attending, you will hear from AI users, watchdogs and creators, including the Mozilla Foundation, Microsoft and Facebook.
The EU already put forward a proposal for new rules on trustworthy AI technology, enabling people to enjoy the benefits of AI while shielding them from its potential harms.
“On Artificial Intelligence, trust is a must, not a nice to have,” says Margrethe Vestager, European Commission Executive Vice-President for ’A Europe fit for the digital age’.
“Our rules will intervene where strictly needed: when the safety and fundamental rights of EU citizens are at stake.”
The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights also commits to helping develop trustworthy technology. FRA Director Michael O’Flaherty is firm that we need to “get the future of AI right”.
“Artificial intelligence is here. It is not going away. It can be a force for good, but it needs to be watched so carefully in terms of respect for our human fundamental rights,” he said during the launch of FRA’s report on AI and fundamental rights.
“Our ambition is not just to ensure that AI respects our rights, but also that it protects and promotes them.”
The Fundamental Rights Forum 2021 will contribute to the discussions on ensuring digital technologies respect people’s human rights.
It is hosting more than 20 sessions under the theme: ‘A human rights oriented digital age’.
In addition to the challenges the use of AI presents, they look at how we can foster a safe society and boost security while effectively fighting online discrimination, bias and disinformation.
One of the sessions is hosted by the Zero Project, which aims to shape an accessible digital world with zero barriers.
They will host a masterclass workshop sharing ideas to create a better online experience for all.
“Digital is branded as the great enabler: democratising access to information and employment opportunities,” says Robin Tim Weis, the Project’s Public Sector Manager.
“Whenever we talk about digital, disability inclusion has to be front and centre. It benefits everyone, not just the 15% of the world’s population with disabilities.”
The Zero Project has supported more than 700 projects in 180 countries worldwide. At the Forum, it will share learnings, best practices and experiences. So that we can all work smarter.
“We’ll share tools and resources to help you take a step in the right direction immediately after the workshop,” Robin explains.
“This might be as simple as using alt text to describe an image that you tweet, or as deep as tools to improve accessibility of your whole website.
“One example is the BeeLine Reader. This really drives home the point that an accessible digital solution benefits everyone.
“Using simple colour gradients makes reading and understanding text on screen easier, faster and more enjoyable for everyone.
“It is great for someone with a short attention span, but Stanford University also use it to help students read through 40-pages of heavy legal text. It pulls your eyes to the right point.”
Other sessions under this theme include:
- Privacy or protection? Why can’t kids have both?
- Unlocking AI's power while building trust
- A digital tomorrow with disability inclusion
- New online tools for human rights narratives
- National AI strategies: their role for protecting fundamental rights & implementing standards
There is still time for you to sign up and take part live in the Forum.
Register today to join the debate
and help shape the digital future of fundamental rights.