Protecting the vulnerable, or automating harm? AI’s double-edged role in spotting abuse

Protecting the vulnerable, or automating harm? AI’s double-edged role in spotting abuse

AI can help maximize resources in strapped systems trying to protect vulnerable people – but it can also risk replicating harm or privacy violations. Courtney Hale/E+ via Getty ImagesArtificial intelligence is rapidly being adopted to help prevent abuse and protect vulnerable people – including children in foster care, adults in nursing homes and students in schools. These tools promise to detect danger in real time and alert authorities before …

Protecting the vulnerable, or automating harm? AI’s double-edged role in spotting abuse

(The Conversation) – When thoughtfully implemented, AI tools have the potential to enhance safety and efficiency. For instance, predictive models have assisted social workers to prioritize high-risk cases and intervene earlier. But as a social worker with 15 years of experience researching family violence – and five years on the front lines as a foster-care case manager, child abuse investigator and early childhood coordinator – I’ve seen how we…