AI for children
Featured project | Exploring how to embed child rights in the governing policies of artificial intelligence
The Office of Global Insight and Policy is leading a two-year project to better understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can protect, provide for, and empower children.
AI systems are fundamentally changing the world and affecting present and future generations of children. Children are already interacting with AI technologies in many different ways: they are embedded in toys, virtual assistants, video games, and adaptive learning software. Algorithms provide recommendations to children on what videos to watch next, what news to read, what music to listen to and who to be friends with.
However, little attention is paid to how AI systems will affect children and their rights. This is especially concerning, as children are less able to fully understand the implications of AI technologies and often do not have the opportunities to communicate their opinions, nor the right advocates to support them. Children also often lack the resources to respond to instances of bias or to rectify any misconceptions in their data.
Furthermore, most national AI strategies and major ethical guidelines make only cursory mention of children and their specific needs. For country policies, references to children are most often in the context of preparing them to work in an AI-centric economy. But as children increasingly use or are affected by AI systems in everyday situations, the lack of attention on the opportunities and risks that AI systems hold for children is growing.
To help fill this gap, UNICEF worked with experts from around the world to gain regional perspectives on AI systems and children. UNICEF is supported by and partnering with the Government of Finland, and collaborating with the IEEE Standards Association, the Berkman Klein Centre for Internet & Society, the World Economic Forum, the 5Rights Foundation and other organizations that form part of Generation AI.
Global Forum on AI for Children
UNICEF held this virtual event on November 30 – December 1, 2021 to discuss practical approaches to child-centred AI policies and systems. The event gathered children’s rights and technology experts, policymakers, practitioners and researchers, as well as children active in the AI space. Read more about the event.
Policy guidance
UNICEF’s policy guidance describes the importance of promoting children’s development in AI strategies and practices and offers practical recommendations for governments and industry. The guidance aims to bring a balanced perspective to the policy table with usable principles for implementing AI that supports child rights. Version 2.0 is now available.
Pilot testing
We worked with a diverse group of governments and businesses to pilot the policy guidance and illustrate a range of contexts in which AI systems and policies could be more child-centred. The aim for each pilot organization was to document how the policy guidance was used and describe the resulting journey in the form of a case study. The approaches taken, lessons learned and insights gathered are one contribution to the global effort towards AI policies and systems that support children’s development.
Consultation workshops
The guidance was developed through a broad consultation process comprised of 14 regional workshops with experts and children, a global survey, and a review of national AI strategies.
New York, United States
June 2019
Helsinki, Finland
November 2019
Cape Town, South Africa
February 2020
São Paulo, Brazil
March 2020
Bangkok, Thailand
June 2020
Advisory group
We are grateful for the ongoing input of our expert advisory group members who are helping to shape the project and policy guidance.
|
Maria Axente |
Responsible AI and AI for Good Lead, PwC UK |
|
Alexandre Barbosa |
Head of the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br/NIC.br) |
|
Seth Bergeson |
Fellow, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, World Economic Forum |
|
Sandra Cortesi |
Director of Youth and Media, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University |
|
Virginia Dignum |
Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence, Umeå University |
|
Kay Firth-Butterfield |
Head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, World Economic Forum |
|
Urs Gasser |
Executive Director, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University |
|
John C. Havens |
Executive Director, IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous & Intelligent Systems |
|
Shafika Isaacs |
Independent Digital Learning Specialist and Associate Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg |
|
Baroness Beeban Kidron |
Founder, 5Rights Foundation; House of Lords |
|
Jussi Kivipuro |
Development Director, UNICEF Finland |
|
Alpesh Shah |
Senior Director, IEEE Standards Association |
Stay connected
Sign up to receive the project newsletter and version 2.0 of the policy guidance.
This project is made possible by funding and technical support from the Ministry of Foreign of Affairs, Finland. We are grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to child rights.
