“Adult Industry Creatives Lobby for a Seat at the AI Regulatory Table, Humorously Ask if Siri Will Be Joining”
“Content Creators in the Adult Industry Want a Say in AI Rules”
“To pave the path for a just and equitable AI future, the voices of those living and working at the margins of society—in sex work, among other areas—need to be amplified and included in decisions about AI policy, development, and deployment. The stakes are too high to ignore the people that these technologies will impact.”
And the award for “Captain Obvious” of the year goes to… Who would’ve thought that the people directly affected by decisions regarding AI policy, development and deployment, would actually want to have a say in the matter? It’s indeed shocking to learn that those who operate within society’s margins, notably in the adult industry and sex work, want to participate in decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods.
While it’s certainly groundbreaking news that the human beings at the sharp end of changes in technology would want a voice, it doesn’t conclude there. Further revelations include that these professionals, because yes, that’s what sex workers are, professionals, just like lawyers, tailors, and chefs, also want to be consulted on the use of AI in their specific industries. Yes, they understand that pondering the implications of ‘robot rights’ and the ethical use of AI for extraterrestrial visitors sounds like a captivating subject line in a tech blog, it’s not as enticing in practical applications.
In particular, the article raises the serious issue of ‘AI bias’, pointing out that in many cases, AI is as flawed in its assumptions as a lazy journalist on their fifth cup of coffee for the day. The shock! The horror! Could it be true that AI, despite all its grand promises, also possesses the tendency to stereotype, label and discriminate? Sure, there is the added bonus of AI not having the capability to make snide remarks or inappropriate jokes at the water cooler, but the concept remains the same; a person is far more than a collection of data.
As it turns out, the adult industry and sex workers not only have to deal with society’s in-built bias and discrimination, but now they have to customize the muffler and paint job on our robot overlords as well. It’s a brave new world indeed.
In conclusion, if one took the time to step off their high-tech pedestal and listened to the concerns of those deeply affected, one might realize the importance of a little something called ’empathy’ in dealings with AI. Perhaps, adopting more diverse and inclusive practices might manage to drag AI from rough-riding bigot to a respectful constituent who fully understands the term ‘equal rights’.