A Gendered Perspective on Artificial Intelligence

Availability of vast amounts of data and corresponding advances in machine learning have brought about a new phase in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). While recognizing the field's tremendous potential we must also understand and question the process of knowledge-making in AI. Focusing on the role of gender in AI, this paper discusses the imbalanced power structures in AI processes and the consequences of that imbalance. We propose a three-stage pathway towards bridging this gap. The first, is to develop a set of publicly developed standards on AI, which should embed the concept of "fairness by design". Second, is to invest in research and development in formulating technological tools that can help translate the ethical principles into actual practice. The third, and perhaps most challenging, is to strive towards reducing gendered distortions in the underlying datasets to reduce biases and stereotypes in future AI projects.