Motion for a resolution | Doc. 14808 | 22 January 2019

Preventing discrimination caused by the use of artificial intelligence

Signatories: Mr Damien THIÉRY, Belgium, ALDE ; Ms Petra BAYR, Austria, SOC ; Mr Goran BEUS RICHEMBERGH, Croatia, ALDE ; Mr Jokin BILDARRATZ, Spain, ALDE ; Ms Maryvonne BLONDIN, France, SOC ; Ms Maria Elena BOSCHI, Italy, SOC ; Mr Hendrik DAEMS, Belgium, ALDE ; Ms Nicole DURANTON, France, EPP/CD ; Ms Edite ESTRELA, Portugal, SOC ; Ms Doris FIALA, Switzerland, ALDE ; Ms Béatrice FRESKO-ROLFO, Monaco, ALDE ; Mr Jean-Pierre GRIN, Switzerland, ALDE ; Ms Gabriela HEINRICH, Germany, SOC ; Ms Gyde JENSEN, Germany, ALDE ; Mr Konstantin KUHLE, Germany, ALDE ; Mr Christophe LACROIX, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Michael LINK, Germany, ALDE ; Mr Edmon MARUKYAN, Armenia, ALDE ; Ms Josephine ORTLEB, Germany, SOC ; Ms Patrícia RIBERAYGUA, Andorra, ALDE ; Mr Adão SILVA, Portugal, EPP/CD ; Ms Petra STIENEN, Netherlands, ALDE ; Ms Petra De SUTTER, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Manuel TORNARE, Switzerland, SOC

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live. Algorithms shape – and often skew – the information we receive via the internet. This intensifies divisions and inequalities in society, and reinforces prejudice and stereotypes – sexist and racist ones in particular.

In parallel, algorithms increasingly form the basis of decisions that directly affect people’s lives, for example in selection processes or the allocation of government resources. Yet machine learning is based on existing data and thus tends to reproduce discriminatory outcomes.

The use of artificial intelligence thus risks perpetuating and amplifying existing bias and stereotypes that lead to discrimination and increased inequalities in society.

Members of parliament must be aware of the risks involved in the use of artificial intelligence and be fully engaged in the political, scientific and ethical debate on how to prevent and counter bias and discrimination in this field. As a pan-European forum for discussion with a focus on human rights and democracy, the Parliamentary Assembly should identify the key risks as well as good practices in Council of Europe member States and beyond, and draw up specific and concrete proposals addressed to member States for preventing the use of artificial intelligence from perpetuating or intensifying discrimination and bias.