In today’s rapidly changing tech landscape, many countries are rethinking their reliance on US-led AI models. This shift is becoming more pronounced as funding for content moderation systems dwindles, a trend highlighted in The Algorithm, a newsletter from MIT Technology Review. Eileen Guo, who attended RightsCon in Taiwan, shares insights on how the global community is reacting to reduced US support for digital rights.
The Trump administration’s swift policy changes have left a mark on American tech companies, affecting their global reach. This has prompted policymakers, particularly in Europe, to reassess their dependence on US technology, with a keen eye on AI solutions.
Yasmin Curzi, a Brazilian law professor, points out the growing distrust towards US social media platforms. She notes their shortcomings in meeting even basic content moderation standards. Automated systems, like large language models (LLMs), often miss the mark when it comes to detecting gender-based violence in various regions.
Marlena Wisniak from the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law raises concerns about the heavy reliance on LLMs for content moderation. These models often fall short when dealing with diverse linguistic contexts. For instance, studies show that models like ChatGPT struggle with non-Western languages, such as Chinese and Hindi.
At RightsCon, there was a strong push for community-driven AI solutions. The focus is on creating models that respect cultural nuances. Efforts like Shhor AI and Lelapa AI are leading the way by prioritizing local languages and dialects.
The policies of the second Trump administration and the global race in AI, as discussed at the Paris AI Summit, are fueling the drive for tech independence. The European Union’s initiative to build a ‘Euro Stack’ is a prime example of this trend, aiming to reduce reliance on US tech.
Andy Yen, CEO of Proton, stresses the urgency for Europe to reclaim its tech autonomy, driven by geopolitical and economic factors. However, Aliya Bhatia from the Center for Democracy & Technology warns against excessive government control over language models.
As we look to the future, the conversation around AI sovereignty and its impact on global digital rights is crucial. It’s a topic that demands our attention and thoughtful consideration in the years ahead.
