Issues with the use of ‘Giant AI Experiments’ and the safety of Black travelers

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  • Published on March 31, 2023
  • Last Updated May 15, 2023
  • In Guest Writers

Giant AI experiments could impact BIPOC travelers in unforeseen ways.

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community in the travel industry is one big, complex puzzle. The advantages of AI in the travel industry seem almost self-evident. Nonetheless, as AI skeptics point out, it’s the near invisibility of the disadvantages of AI that must really be weighed.

Following the recent open letter from the Future of Life Institute, which recommends a six-month pause on “Giant AI Experiments” in order to agree on safeguards and precautions for this incredible new technology, the question of whether AI is friend or foe is especially germane to the Black travel industry too. I agree with a pause and, in this article, I outline some of the hidden costs of AI technology to BIPOC travelers.

On one hand, AI can do wonders to make our travels smoother, faster and more fun for all. On the other hand, there’s a sneaking suspicion that AI might keep existing biases and inequalities alive, and let’s face it: BIPOC travelers are already dealing with enough nonsense as it is.

One of the most promising applications of AI in travel is around booking and customer service. Generative AI in travel booking is changing the game, with AI assistants and intelligent chatbots helping travelers book flights, hotels, and activities in a matter of minutes. This can save travelers time and money, as well as provide a more personalized and efficient booking experience.

However, there are concerns that AI in travel booking can perpetuate biases and inequalities, particularly against BIPOC travelers. AI algorithms used in booking platforms have been shown to have biases against BIPOC travelers. For example, some platforms have been shown to recommend more expensive hotels to BIPOC travelers than to white travelers or to display fewer available properties in certain neighborhoods.

This perpetuates existing racial and economic disparities and can limit the travel options of BIPOC travelers. Similarly, AI algorithms may also overly recommend to BIPOC travelers, destinations and activities which are already crowded and more expensive. Furthermore, AI may not consider the unique needs and experiences of BIPOC travelers, which can result in a less enjoyable travel experience.

Facial recognition technology is another area where AI is being used in travel, particularly in foreign countries. This technology can be used to screen passengers at airports, making the security process more efficient and accurate. It can also be used to identify potential security threats and predict areas that may be at risk for incidents.

However, there are concerns that facial recognition technology can perpetuate biases and inequalities, particularly against BIPOC travelers. There have been numerous reports of the technology misidentifying BIPOC travelers, leading to false accusations and detainment. This reinforces existing biases and can have serious consequences and result in unfair treatment, such as higher scrutiny or longer wait times for BIPOC travelers.

To address these concerns, it is important that the travel industry takes steps to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.

History has shown how society continually demands that BIPOC people remain patient in the face of change. When BIPOC people demand social change now, we are constantly told that “change takes time,” and must take cold comfort in the idea that patience is a virtue.

However, in somewhat of a role reversal, right now many disruptors are demanding patience from society with regard to this technology. And, remarkably, in so doing, they’re aligning with many BIPOC researchers, who first called out the potential dangers of AI on communities of color.

I believe the signatories of the open letter calling for a 6-month pause on giant AI experiments are correct: we absolutely need to put on the brakes. I think they’re right that the proper safeguards have not yet been fully identified and we still don’t really know the depth of social issues that AI can perpetuate.

I would urge you to sign the open letter pausing AI experiments too. One of the most important steps we can take during this pause is to be aware and educate each other on the potential for bias in AI algorithms. Travel companies and platforms should research AI technologies and develop the proper safeguards to ensure that they are using ethical AI practices that do not perpetuate biases against BIPOC travelers.

Another important step is to be proactive in planning travel. Instead of relying solely on AI recommendations, travelers should do their own research to find destinations and activities that meet their unique needs and interests. This can help to avoid the perpetuation of existing inequalities in travel.

In addition, travel companies and platforms should consider using specialized AI technologies that are specifically designed to meet the needs of BIPOC travelers. For example, there are AI translation tools that are specifically designed to translate non-standard varieties of a language, which can help to ensure that BIPOC travelers are able to communicate effectively while traveling.

Overall, the impact of AI on the BIPOC community in the travel industry is a complex and multifaceted issue. While AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, there are concerns that it can perpetuate existing biases and inequalities. To address these concerns, it is important that the travel industry takes steps to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, and that BIPOC travelers can access the benefits of AI technology without facing discrimination or bias.

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