Making Artificial Intelligence Work for the People

On the left side, there is a picture of a state capitol building with a surveillance cameras. On the right side, an eye apears out of a list of ones and zeros. The whole image has a black and yellow tint.

We are at a critical juncture when it comes to artificial intelligence (“AI”).

People deserve to have control over their lives and futures. And increasingly, that means having a say in how, when, and where AI will be used to shape the systems that we all depend on.

If companies and policymakers don’t ask and answer the right questions – including whether AI should be used at all - they risk adopting this technology in ways that threaten people’s right and freedoms. Without caution, AI will automate discrimination from in areas that are crucial to our well-being, from housing and employment to medicine and policing.

AI doesn’t have to be a runaway train. But it will only improve our lives if it is guided by fair, transparent, and humane laws that center people’s needs.

That’s the future that the ACLU of Northern California is trying to build. With decades of experience at the cutting-edge of technology and civil rights, we are working in the courts, in legislatures, with companies and with communities to steer AI towards justice.

To that end, we've created resources for policymakers, companies, and activist who want to ensure AI is used the right way.

  • Policymakers: Learn more about AI and how to make sure that technology protects your constituents and their civil rights.
  • People: Speak up for laws and policies that ensure AI’s use by the government and private companies is open, equitable, and just.
  • Companies: Read our Business Primer and the lessons learned from over 150 real life case studies. Find out how you can bake in privacy, free speech, and other civil rights protections from the beginning to avoid problems down the line.