Exploring Blockchain’s Potential for Responsible Digital ID | IGF 2023

11 Oct 2023 02:30h - 04:00h UTC

Event report

Speakers:
  • Mustafa Mahmoud
  • Johanna Weaver
  • Susan Morrow
  • Kaliya Young
  • Rafael Zanatta

Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the IGF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the IGF's official website.

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Judith

Vicky expresses gratitude and greets the audience, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere. The speaker’s tone and appreciation set the stage for an engaging interaction.

Joey

The project had several positive outcomes for Ugandan students. Firstly, it provided exposure to technology and hands-on experience. Students had the opportunity to interact with students from Japan, which not only helped them develop their cross-cultural skills but also sparked an interest in technology. This exposure to different cultures and technology is important for their educational development and future career prospects.

Furthermore, the project had a significant impact on language and social learning. Students were able to engage in interactive language practices and received artistic feedback on their language skills. They also had the chance to express themselves in both Swahili and English. This not only improved their language proficiency but also facilitated their social and emotional learning.

However, the project faced challenges in integrating technology due to limited resources and budget constraints. The local setup, Gudu Samaritan, struggled to invest in technology because of these constraints. This highlights the need for adequate funding and resources to ensure the successful integration of technology in education.

Another obstacle was the unstable internet connection, which hindered online participation. This limited students’ ability to fully engage in online activities and access educational resources. Stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for effective technology integration in schools.

Regarding curriculum integration, there is a need to engage with the Ministry of Education. Engaging with the Ministry would ensure better resource allocation and adjustment of teaching methods to effectively integrate the project into the curriculum. This collaboration is necessary for the long-term sustainability and impact of the project.

Funding was deemed crucial for projects that integrate technology into schools. The government should provide infrastructure, such as a stable internet connection, for successful implementation. Additionally, schools like Gudu Samaritan require resources like an intelligence system, robots, and computer equipment to fully leverage the benefits of technology in education.

Another important aspect is promoting literacy in online platforms. All students and teachers should be literate in AOL (online platforms). This would ensure equal access to information and opportunities. Educators should be given the opportunity to participate in online workshops and training to gain confidence in incorporating technology in their everyday teaching.

In conclusion, the project had various positive impacts on Ugandan students, including exposure to technology, cross-cultural interaction, and development of language and social skills. However, challenges such as limited resources, budget constraints, unstable internet connection, and the need for curriculum integration must be addressed for the successful integration of technology in education. Adequate funding, collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and promoting literacy in online platforms are essential for the continuation and growth of such projects.

Ruyuma Yasutake

The HARU project has had a positive impact on English conversation classes, enhancing the overall learning experience. HARU, an advanced AI-based interactive robot, helps to create smoother and more engaging conversations by responding to moments of silence and using interesting facial expressions. This not only makes the conversations more enjoyable but also creates a dynamic learning environment. The use of HARU has also facilitated cross-cultural interaction by connecting students from different countries. This provides a unique opportunity for meaningful conversations and a better understanding of different cultures. While there have been some challenges, such as system troubles and interruptions in interactions, the overall experience has been positive. HARU also offers the opportunity for students to interact and work with professional international researchers, which enhances their learning. Furthermore, HARU has the potential to connect students from different countries, promoting global collaboration in education. Additionally, HARU can be used as a partner for practicing conversations, allowing students to improve their conversation skills in a supportive environment. The use of AI’s evaluation system in education also holds promise for fairer assessments, reducing biases and promoting fairness. In conclusion, HARU has numerous benefits and, with further advancements and improvements, has the potential to revolutionize education and communication.

Randy Gomez

The Honda Research Institute, led by Randy Gomez and his team, responded positively to UNICEF’s call to implement and test policy guidance. They dedicated a significant portion of their resources to developing technology for children, with a focus on creating a system that enables cross-cultural interactions among groups of children from different countries. This system involves a robot facilitator that connects to the cloud, allowing children to interact regardless of their geographical locations.

The team conducted experiments using interactive games facilitated by the robot to evaluate the effectiveness of their technology in promoting cross-cultural communication. The results were overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating the efficacy of the technology in enabling these interactions.

In addition to developing the technology, the team recognized the importance of understanding its societal, cultural, and economic impact on children from diverse backgrounds. They deployed the robots in hospitals, schools, and homes to gather insights into implementing the technology in different settings. They collaborated with Vicky from JRC and applied their application alongside IEEE standards to ensure industry compliance.

Overall, the Honda Research Institute’s work contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically in reducing inequalities, ensuring quality education, and promoting industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The technology they developed for cross-cultural interactions among children fosters understanding and connectivity. It has the potential to create a more inclusive and globally connected society, while also shedding light on the societal, cultural, and economic effects of robotic technology on children’s development.

Steven Boslow

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly present in the lives of children, being used in areas such as gaming, education, and social apps. These AI systems have the power to influence significant decisions, including those related to health benefits, loan approvals, and welfare subsidies. However, it is concerning that most national AI strategies in 2019 did not adequately consider children as stakeholders. This lack of recognition of children’s rights in AI policies highlights the need for improvements.

Moreover, the existing ethical guidelines for AI do not sufficiently address the unique needs of children. These guidelines are not specifically tailored to tackle the challenges and risks that children may face with AI technologies. This oversight is worrisome, considering the substantial impact that AI can have on children’s lives.

On a positive note, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Finnish Government, took an initiative in 2019 to address this issue by introducing policy guidance on AI and children’s rights. This guidance aims to provide a framework for responsible and ethical use of AI concerning children. Several organizations have since implemented these guidelines and shared their experiences and lessons learned. The implementation of UNICEF’s guidelines is a crucial process in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in the context of AI.

Recognizing the fact that children make up approximately one-third of all online users and an even higher proportion in developing countries, it becomes evident why prioritizing children’s rights is essential. While AI presents great opportunities, it also poses significant risks for children. Therefore, it is important to establish robust regulations that effectively protect their rights while enabling the positive utilization of AI technology.

In conclusion, the increasing presence of AI in children’s lives emphasizes the need for them to be recognized as key stakeholders in national AI strategies and ethical guidelines. UNICEF’s efforts to develop and implement guidelines specifically addressing AI and children’s rights are commendable. They highlight the importance of prioritizing children’s needs and ensuring their protection in the development of AI regulations. To ensure a safe and beneficial AI environment for children, continuous improvement of policies, guidelines, and regulations that cater to their unique requirements is essential.

Moderator

According to the analysis, children were not adequately recognized in national AI strategies or ethical guidelines for responsible AI. This lack of recognition raises concerns about the potential negative implications AI could have on children.

One of the key findings is that AI is increasingly being used in education and gaming, indicating it has become an integral part of children’s lives. Given the significant number of children who are active online users, particularly in developing countries, the impact of AI on their lives cannot be ignored.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights that adopting responsible AI or technology can be challenging. Applying principles for responsible AI can cause tensions to arise, and the context in which these principles are applied is crucial. Developing effective regulations and policies concerning AI requires careful consideration of the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children.

The analysis also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the role of AI in children’s lives when it comes to regulation and policy-making. It highlights the potential risks AI poses, such as providing poor mental health advice or infringing on children’s privacy. These risks underline the urgent need to establish robust guidelines and safeguards to protect children’s well-being and rights in the context of AI.

Additionally, the Honda Research Institute’s development of robotic technologies for children in response to UNICEF’s call for policy guidance implementation and testing is noteworthy. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to address the specific needs and challenges faced by children in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Collaboration between urban students from Tokyo and rural students from Uganda was a significant aspect of the analysis. This collaboration aimed to enhance intercultural understanding and explore the variations in children’s rights comprehension across different situations. This emphasizes the importance of context in comprehending and addressing children’s rights issues.

Moreover, the role of technology in education was found to have a positive impact on students’ understanding and interest. The projects analyzed contributed to the development of social and emotional skills, further reinforcing the potential benefits of integrating technology in educational settings.

However, the analysis also identified several challenges. Limited resources and budget constraints were major obstacles, particularly in the context of a local setup called Gudu Samaritan in Uganda. These constraints made it difficult to invest in technology and maintain stable internet connections, hindering the implementation of projects.

To overcome these challenges, the analysis suggests engaging the Minister of Education in Uganda to integrate the project into the curriculum and secure additional resources. This approach would not only address budget constraints but also provide the necessary time and support to adapt teaching methods effectively.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the need for greater recognition of children in AI strategies and ethical guidelines. It underscores the importance of considering the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children when developing regulations and policies related to AI. The potential risks associated with AI, such as issues related to mental health and privacy, call for the implementation of comprehensive safeguards. The analysis also sheds light on the positive impact of technology in education, particularly in enhancing students’ understanding, interest, and social and emotional skills. However, challenges such as limited resources and budget constraints must be addressed through collaborative efforts involving government bodies and educational institutions. Overall, a comprehensive and child-centric approach to AI and technology adoption is essential to ensure the well-being and rights of children in the digital age.

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