21.11.2024 –, Aula
In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes our digital experiences, the intersection between AI and open knowledge platforms like Wikimedia presents both opportunities and risks. This presentation explores how Wikimedia projects contribute to AI development, the challenges posed by AI's lack of transparency, and the potential dangers of fostering a monoculture that marginalizes smaller cultures and languages. It will also delve into the concept of Digital Sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of using open data and transparent AI systems to promote diverse knowledge and protect against the dominance of any single perspective.
In this session, we will examine the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Wikimedia projects, with a focus on the critical role that open knowledge platforms like Wikipedia and Wikidata play in shaping the future of AI. As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, its opaque nature raises concerns about biases and the risk of monocultures emerging, where dominant perspectives overshadow minority cultures and languages.
Key themes will include:
• Digital Sovereignty: How ensuring control over data and technology can safeguard local cultures and perspectives from being overshadowed by global powers.
• AI and Wikimedia Projects: The current and potential uses of AI within Wikimedia platforms, from automated content moderation to knowledge enrichment through AI-based tools.
• Transparency in AI: Addressing the risks of AI systems that lack transparency, particularly in how they process and present information. How can Wikimedia ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically within its ecosystem?
• Cultural Diversity and AI: How AI’s reliance on vast datasets can lead to the reinforcement of dominant cultural narratives, and how Wikimedia’s commitment to openness can counter this by fostering pluralism and inclusivity.
This presentation aims to spark a dialogue about how we can use AI in a way that supports digital sovereignty, maintains transparency, and respects the diversity of human knowledge. It will also provide insights into ongoing efforts within Wikimedia to ensure that AI technology is used to promote, rather than hinder, global cultural diversity.
Sandra Becker is a specialist in digital communication and knowledge management, with a focus on open data and Wikimedia projects. Her work examines the intersection of AI and Wikimedia platforms, advocating for transparency and inclusivity in knowledge ecosystems. In the keynote she will explore how AI impacts Wikimedia projects and the challenges it poses for ensuring diversity and openness in digital spaces.
Ilario Valdelli is the Innovation Programme Leader at Wikimedia CH, where he drives initiatives focused on innovation, open knowledge, and the integration of AI technologies within Wikimedia projects. With a background in IT projects and tech-driven solutions, Ilario brings deep expertise in fostering collaboration across Wikimedia’s global ecosystem. His work focuses on using AI to enhance open-source platforms while ensuring transparency and inclusivity in knowledge sharing. In the keynote he will explore the relationship between AI and Wikimedia projects, emphasizing the importance of ethical AI development and its potential to shape the future of digital knowledge.
Shana Marinitsch is an experienced professional in project management and community engagement. As a key member of Wikimedia CH, Shana focuses on fostering collaboration across Wikimedia projects, particularly in relation to innovation and digital knowledge sharing. With a background in coordinating diverse initiatives, she brings a wealth of expertise in guiding discussions and facilitating interactive sessions.