What's Happening?
The philanthropic sector is being called upon to increase its engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) to better influence societal outcomes. Mike Kubzansky, former CEO of Omidyar Network, emphasizes that AI is rapidly becoming a defining concern
that affects various issues such as jobs, democracy, economic mobility, mental health, and education. Despite its significance, philanthropy has been slow to engage with AI at the necessary speed and scale. Kubzansky argues that philanthropy must treat AI as a central issue rather than a peripheral one, as the current trajectory of AI development is being shaped now. He highlights the need for common sense regulation to promote innovation and trust, and suggests that philanthropy should utilize a broad array of tools, including grants, direct investments, and legal actions, to influence AI governance and ensure broadly shared benefits.
Why It's Important?
The engagement of philanthropy with AI is crucial as it can significantly impact various societal systems. AI's influence on labor markets, social cohesion, and economic power concentration is profound, and philanthropy has the potential to shape these outcomes. By establishing trust through regulation and supporting responsible AI development, philanthropy can help ensure that AI serves society positively. The sector's involvement is essential in creating governance infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and worker protections, which are currently underfunded by commercial actors. Philanthropy's strategic capital can drive desirable outcomes, such as health advances and economic mobility, making its role in AI development pivotal.
What's Next?
Philanthropy is encouraged to adopt a more proactive and collaborative approach to AI engagement. This includes forming coalitions with diverse stakeholders, such as tech ethicists, investors, and labor organizers, to create a shared understanding and strategy for AI governance. The establishment of initiatives like Humanity.AI aims to defragment efforts and build a collective map of the field. As AI continues to evolve, philanthropy must act swiftly to influence its governance and ensure it benefits society. The decisions made now regarding AI's development and regulation will have long-lasting effects, making immediate action critical.
