In the interview, Devlin discusses her journey from archaeology to AI, her pride in seeing intimacy and AI become a serious academic study, and the challenges she faces in the male-dominated tech industry. She advises women seeking to enter the AI field to assert their right to take up as much space as men. She also highlights the need for responsibility and accountability in AI development, urging users to be aware of the provenance of their data and the ethics of their providers. Devlin believes that the best way to build AI responsibly is through regulation and conscience, and she encourages investors to push for responsible AI by holding companies accountable for considering human rights, labor, sustainability, and social impact in their AI supply chain.
Key takeaways:
- TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews focusing on remarkable women who’ve contributed to the AI revolution, including Kate Devlin, a lecturer in AI and society at King’s College London.
- Devlin's research investigates how people interact with and react to technologies, and she advocates for the development of “socially beneficial” robotics and AI systems.
- Devlin believes that the tech industry needs more women in visible, top positions and systemic change to tackle sexism, and she encourages women to assert their place in the AI field.
- She emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in AI development, and advises users to be aware of the data source and the ethical track record of the provider.