CivTech Scotland’s Post

Very interesting opening session for #AI as part of the #DigiLeaders #DLWeek Lots of thought provoking commentary ahead of the panel discussion for the 'annual lecture in Parliament'. Sticking in my head are - Ecosystem of talent is different in UK than in Silicon Valley - Ease of finance - Sustainability of all of these data centres! #Ambition, #Innovation #Potential and the #Vision are then motivating factors. #Platform-isation to be figured out with #Productivity alongside #Security #Regulation then of course #Morality and #Social governance #Ethical #Political #Inclusion = #Culture are also all still TBC while engaging with people #Change champions in a myriad of sectors, #Health #Education #Technology etc. Image description is of Samantha Niblet MP addressing the audience of the Digital Leaders Annual Lecture in Parliament. (The same alt text is added to the image)

Ai and digital democracy 🌐 ⚖ Ai enhances digital democracy by facilitating transparent decision-making, improving citizen engagement, and streamlining administrative processes. It empowers voters with real-time information, fosters inclusvity, and supports data-driven policies, thereby strengtening democratic institutions and promoting more equitable governance. #DigitalDemocracy #OnlineEngagement #CivicTech #DemocracyInAction #PoliticalDiscussion #TechForChange #DigitalInnovation #PublicParticipation #DigitalCitizenship #PolicyDebates #DigitalDialogue #TechSociety #EParticipation #InternetGovernance #VirtualDemocracy #CitizenParticipation #OnlineCivicEngagement #GovTech #DigitalTransformation #CommunityVoice

Can Technology Be the Key to Fixing Broken Systems? ⚖️ Imagine a world where the gears of bureaucracy turn smoothly across the globe , outdated and unfair laws crumble before common-sense solutions , and decisions – from local councils to international summits – are based on unbiased data, not ingrained biases . This vision might not be a utopia, but a future fueled by technology, including powerful AI tools , that tackles the systemic imbalances plaguing our societies. Technology can be a powerful tool for untangling the knots of bureaucracy in all corners of the world . AI, for instance, can analyze vast troves of data ️, identifying inefficiencies in government processes across nations ️ and suggesting ways to streamline them ⏱️✅. This could translate to faster permit approvals in developing countries ️, quicker access to social services everywhere , and governments that are more responsive to the needs of their citizens, regardless of location (everyone wins!). But technology's impact goes beyond mere efficiency. It can be used to identify and close the loopholes in existing laws that allow some to exploit the system, creating a more level playing field . By analyzing legal precedents across geographical boundaries ️, it can pinpoint areas where laws are unclear or easily manipulated. This information can then be used to draft clearer, more concise legislation on a global scale, making it harder for bad actors to game the system no matter where they operate. Perhaps most importantly, technology can help remove bias from decision-making on a global level. By analyzing data objectively, AI can identify patterns of discrimination or unfairness embedded within existing policies across societies. This information can then be used to create more equitable systems that serve all citizens fairly , dismantling historical imbalances and ensuring a future based on true justice. Technology is simply a tool, and its effectiveness relies on the collective will of the global community . However, the potential benefits are undeniable . By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a future with more efficient, transparent, and just societies around the world ✨. Spread the word, like and share! Together we can use technology to build a better tomorrow for all! 🌐🗺🤝 #TechForGood #FixingTheSystem #EqualityForAll #DataDrivenChange #BreakthroughTech #FutureofGovernance #CitizenEmpowerment #UnbiasedDecisions #StreamlinedProcesses #ClosingLoopholes #BuildingABetterWorld #TechForSocialChange #LikeAndShare

Leveraging Al for Public Policy and Social Good: Opportunities and Challenges Al holds immense potential to address public policy goals and create positive social impact. However, the public sector faces challenges in adopting Al for social good, particularly as many Al applications rely on commercial stacks rather than tailored, trustworthy solutions. For instance, countries like Estonia and their Data Innovation Lab illustrate how open-source data tools can provide public sector compliance, scalability, and security while meeting local needs. Effective Al adoption in public sectors requires strong partnerships between governments, tech providers, and civil society. It also needs investment in open-source, customizable tools that prioritize privacy and security. By leveraging Al to serve public policy and societal goals, governments can create meaningful improvements in areas like healthcare, education, and environmental protection, all while building a more equitable Al landscape. By: Nafeesa Alshaala Founder & CEO DiploTech Solutions #KeepingUpWithAl #DiploTechSolutions #AlEthics #AI #FutureTrends #PublicPolicy #LeveragingAI #Social #Good

Our panel is titled "Social Impact: #AI & The #Environment"; looking forward to the conversation with Tamara Kneese, Ph.D., Brian Pascal, Kris Schaffer, and Leila Doty! #ethics #tech #gov #business #education #SiliconValley

🌞 As summer holidays end, we're advancing our online discussion platform that puts human and social values at the heart of its design. 🌐 ✅ The groundwork has already been completed, making sure that human rights are fully considered in every step of designing, developing, and using algorithmic systems. Now, we're setting up ways to ensure these systems are fair, secure, and private. This includes: 1️⃣ Creating clear criteria to assess any risks or threats from artificial intelligence systems designed for civic engagement. 2️⃣ Using advanced tools and big data analytics to identify security issues while keeping user data anonymous. 3️⃣ Implementing visual analytics to manage big data effectively and spot important events. We’re excited about the progress! As well as anxious to share more details with you soon! 🚀 #Innovation #AIForGood #HumanRighs #horizoneurope European Commission

Can we harness these technologies to empower citizens and strengthen democratic processes, or do they risk exacerbating existing inequalities and creating new forms of exclusion? A) By embracing decentralized technologies and promoting greater public participation. B) By investing in digital literacy and ensuring equitable access to technology. C) By establishing clear ethical guidelines for using AI in governance. D) By fostering collaboration and innovation within government institutions. Please tell us here: https://lnkd.in/dzhxZABS.

Today, the @Stanford Digital Economy Lab launched The Digitalist Papers, an important collection of essays exploring AI and digital technologies' impact on U.S. society and democracy. Privileged to partner with Laura Claster Bisesto on an essay for the series that highlights a strategy for how AI-enabled digital platforms can lay the foundation for broader, meaningful initiatives within our physical communities. I invite you to read these essays and engage with the critical dialogue on technology and governance. https://lnkd.in/ggSbR3Mg

It was lovely to participate in this Government Data and Digital public sector wide discussion #DataConnect24 about participatory and inclusive data stewardship, chaired by Octavia Field Reid. Speakers included Vinay Narayan Roshni Modhvadia Tim Davies. The session had almost 100 attendees. I made the following key points: - we need a national citizens assembly on the future of AI regulation in the UK, so that people from across the UK, not just influential tech organisations can set the direction of travel. - we need to think of participation as part of the 'regulate to innovate' agenda, fostering thoughtful and trustworthy tech that works for people, planet, society and economy. - we also need to consider a legal duty to involve the people (beneficiaries) impacted and affected by AI systems as part of forthcoming conversations about the UK AI Bill.

#Datacities With Significance of #artificialintelligence bound to increase in coming years, Why the mystery over the specifics of What and How to take the "conversations into actions" at #City level still not connecting with the #Municipal functionaries? What should the cities prioritize? : 1. engaging with the consulting industry to have readymade solutions deployable at City Level? 2. Ask City Network/Associations, International or National, to take lead to develop them for the cities with scope for customisation? 3. Wait for the National/State government to prepare Action Plan? 4. Take a plunge into doable AI projects with capacity building of own staff? What could be the specifics framework for multi government, multi city collaboration with PPP for rapid deployment, adoption and engagement of AI tools for Citizens? United Nations UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Smart Cities Mission