The defence of the «Truth»
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- parallel session
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What can science communication do to combat manipulation by so-called ‘AI’? An ethical analysis
Peter G. Kirchschläger | University of Lucerne / ETH Zurich
So-called ‘AI’ – which would be more accurately described as ‘data-based systems (DS)’, as it does not involve intelligence – poses an ethical risk of being used to manipulate people. Due to large volumes of data, people can be manipulated in their roles as consumers and as political citizens. What options does science communication have to prevent such manipulation by DS? Furthermore, who bears responsibility for upholding scientific rigour, facts and ‘truth’? These and similar questions are discussed from an ethical perspective, and concrete proposals for action are put forward, including human rights-based global regulation of DS and its enforcement through the creation of an International Agency for Data-Based Systems (IDA) within the UN.
Science communication in the context of polarisation and populism
Ivo Scherrer | Pro Futuris
Scientific mechanisms enable our democratic society to align our beliefs with reality, recognise our errors, and forge new paths towards solving shared challenges.
Like many institutions of liberal democracy, science is also under pressure. Perceptions of it are highly polarised politically. Some sections of society do not view it as a means of acquiring knowledge, but rather as a supposed instrument of power wielded by the elite.
Science needs political allies and relies on a functioning democratic information infrastructure, in particular vibrant, high-quality journalism, effective educational institutions and respectful public debates.
From a democratic perspective, science faces the challenging task of confidently defending its central democratic role whilst simultaneously strengthening public trust through empathetic and relatable communication.
Deepfakes and scientific communication: more of an opportunity than a challenge?
Laetitia Ramelet | TA-SWISS
This presentation sets out the findings of TA-SWISS’s interdisciplinary study on deepfakes – images, sounds and videos that have been manipulated or generated by AI. From a technical perspective, what are the various approaches to verifying the authenticity or artificial nature of such content, and what can we realistically expect from them? Whilst the circulation of deepfakes is now commonplace online, it is not necessarily problematic: at what points do tensions arise with the value of truth, so dear to the sciences? Finally, we will outline opportunities for scientific communication, which can gain in value in the face of the vast amount of artificial content that surrounds us, as well as some questions to consider regarding its role in this new context.