Accelerating AI Ethics

In this episode Dr Caroline Green from Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI speaks to Professor Alondra Nelson about the social foundations of AI governance and thick alignment, a broader approach to aligning artificial intelligence with human values. Professor Nelson reflects on her interdisciplinary career bridging science, social research, and policy, including her role in developing the White House Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. She discusses how public engagement, trust, and clear communication are essential for ensuring that AI systems serve society rather than deepen existing inequalities.Together, they explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in AI ethics and governance, highlighting the risks of deploying powerful technologies without meaningful public dialogue. The conversation examines emerging challenges such as emotional relationships with AI chatbots, the role of governments and companies in shaping responsible innovation, and how inclusive policymaking can help align AI development with democratic values and the public good.

In this episode Dr Caroline Green from Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI speaks to Dr Joy Buolamwini and Angela Oduor Lungati, Executive Director of Ushahidi, about building ethical, community-centered AI from Africa and beyond. Angela discusses her work leading Ushahidi, an open-source platform used globally to crowdsource crisis and human rights data, and how community-generated knowledge can shape more inclusive and context-aware AI systems.Joy reflects on her journey from uncovering bias in facial recognition systems to founding the Algorithmic Justice League, sharing how her research - featured in the documentary Coded Bias - exposes the social harms embedded in AI.Together, they explore women’s leadership in technology, the importance of grassroots voices in shaping AI governance, and the need for data justice, language representation, and accountability across the AI supply chain. The conversation highlights Kenya’s national AI strategy, Africa’s growing role as a builder - not just consumer - of AI, and the environmental and labour impacts of AI infrastructure. The episode closes with reflections on creativity, humanity, and the role of art in guiding responsible innovation.

In this episode of Accelerating AI Ethics from Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, Dr Caroline Green speaks with Professor Ignacio Cofone, Professor of AI Law and Regulation, about his book The Privacy Fallacy: Harm and Power in the Information Economy.They discuss why today’s consent-based privacy laws are ill-suited to an AI-driven data economy, how data harms are often relational rather than individual, and why focusing on data use - rather than data collection - is key to preventing exploitation while enabling innovation. The conversation also explores power dynamics in the tech ecosystem, harm liability, and what meaningful reform of data protection law could look like in the age of AI.

Brendan McCord, founder of the Cosmos Institute and former technologist with degrees from MIT and Harvard, delves into the intersection of philosophy and AI. He shares his journey from tech to philosophy and emphasizes the importance of teaching children to critically evaluate AI's expertise. Brendan advocates for a new breed of 'philosopher-builders' who integrate philosophical inquiries into technology. He warns against the dangers of outsourcing moral decisions to AI and calls for philanthropy to shape a humane approach as we advance into the AI age.

Ambassador Audrey Tang, the former Taiwanese Digital Minister and a champion of digital democracy, joins Dr. Caroline Green to introduce the '6-Pack of Care' framework for AI governance. They explore how attentiveness and responsibility can enhance human relationships through technology. Tang highlights the importance of community-focused AI, advocating for solutions that prioritize relational health over profit. Their conversation also touches on the role of civic participation in shaping technology, aiming to reduce societal polarization and foster cooperation.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Professor Yuval Shany, Hersch Lauterpacht Chair in Public International Law and former UN Human Rights Committee Chair, dives into the intersection of AI and human rights. He argues for an AI Bill of Rights, highlighting the challenges of regulating powerful tech companies and the need for updated legal frameworks. Shany emphasizes human rights as enablers for safer AI innovation and stresses the importance of civic engagement to address AI harms. His insights aim to create a more accountable and ethical AI landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s former Digital Minister and a pioneer in open government, shares her journey from civic hacker to public office. She emphasizes the importance of radical transparency to rebuild trust in democracy. Tang discusses how AI can enhance collective intelligence rather than replace it, and advocates for pro-social media to foster ethical behavior online. Learn about her innovative initiatives in Taiwan and how plurality can empower communities, shaping a brighter future through technology.

Dive into the compelling world of AI ethics as experts discuss its transformative impact on work and society. Explore how AI could exacerbate social inequalities or revolutionize creativity and healthcare. The conversation also touches on the need for global regulation and diverse perspectives, making it a vibrant discussion platform. Hosted by Dr. Caroline Green, this series aims to tackle the urgent ethical challenges we face with AI.