The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing or eroding human rights

Today, 10 December 2024, is Human Rights Day, themed, Our rights, Our future, Right now. Martin Luther King Jr has said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most important conversations of the 21st century, with the power to redefine industries, reshape economies, and alter the fabric of societies.

As AI technologies make progress, they hold the promise of empowering marginalised communities, improving accessibility, and driving social progress in unprecedented ways. It offers support to people with disabilities, enables them to lead more independent lives, and enhances healthcare access in underserved regions.AI has the potential to elevate human dignity and improve fundamental rights. However, this phenomenal power also brings with it notable risks. If left unchecked, AI can perpetuate existing biases, reinforce societal inequalities, and even infringe upon privacy and personal freedoms.

The impact of AI on human rights is thus a double-edged sword, capable of promoting both empowerment and oppression. This article looks at the complex relationship between AI and human rights, exploring how these technologies can serve as tools of inclusion and equality, while also posing ethical challenges that require careful consideration and regulation to ensure they are used responsibly and fairly.

1. AI in Enhancing Human Rights byEmpowering Accessibility for Disabled Individuals

The promise of AI extends far beyond efficiency, automation, and big data. For individuals with disabilities, AI is changingthe way they interact with the world, bridging gaps, reducing barriers, and promoting greater inclusivity. By leveraging AI technologies such as voice recognition, facial recognition, and natural language processing (NLP), society is moving closer to a world where people with disabilities can navigate everyday life more independently and equitably. This shift goes far beyond convenience; it is a fundamental matter of human rights(specifically the right to participate fully in society, live autonomously, and access opportunities without discrimination).

AI’s transformative potential is particularly evident in the area of assistive technologies, which aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. For millions of people, these technologies are allowing them to do things once thought impossible (whether that is reading a book, recognising a family member’s face, or participating in social activities). At its core, AI is offering these individuals a more equal playing field, improving their ability to exercise their right to freedom of movement, the right to education, and the right to live independently.

a. Case Study: AI for the Visually Impaired

A very inspiring examples of how AI is improving human rights for physically challenged individuals is the development of AI-powered applications for the visually impaired. Vision impairment or blindness affects millions of people worldwide, presenting hurdles in everyday tasks like reading signs, identifying objects, navigating unfamiliar spaces, or even recognising faces. However, AI is making possible new avenues for independence and autonomy, notably improving quality of life for those affected.

Microsoft’s Seeing AI is a standout example of AI technology that is empowering visually impaired individuals. The free app, available on iOS devices, leverages computer vision and artificial intelligence to describe the world around users in real time, offering a richer understanding of their environment and thus greater independence. Seeing AI has various modes designed for specific tasks:

For example, imagine a blind person entering a coffee shop. With the Seeing AI app, they can point their phone at a sign to have the app read it aloud, understand the layout of the room, identify the barista behind the counter, and even recognise friends who are sitting nearby. Such features remove many of the barriers that visually impaired individuals typically face in public spaces, allowing them to navigate the world with a sense of confidence and autonomy that was once out of reach.

These innovations directly contribute to the right to equal participation in society, ensuring that visually impaired individuals have the same access to public spaces, social interactions, and opportunities as sighted people. It is a powerful illustration of how AI can reduce the social isolation often faced by physically challenged people, ensuring they are not relegated to the sidelines of society.

b. AI-Powered Assistive Technologieson A Broader Landscape

While the Seeing AI app is a prominent example, it is just one piece of the broader landscape of AI-driven assistive technologies that are making notablestrides toward greater inclusion. These technologies enable individuals with various disabilities (whether physical, cognitive, or sensory) to live more independently, participate more fully in daily life, and contribute to society on an equal footing. Below are several key areas in which AI is making a difference:

i. AI in Accessibility for the Hearing Impaired

For people with hearing disabilities, AI technologies are breaking down barriers, especially in communication. For instance, real-time speech-to-textapplications use AI to transcribe spoken words into text, providing instant captions for conversations. Google’s Live Transcribe is an excellent example, offering automatic, real-time transcription on smartphones. This allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate more easily in both one-on-one conversations and group settings.

AI-powered hearing aids, such as those developed by companies like Cochlearand Starkey, use machine learning to improve sound processing. These devices automatically adjust to different environments, amplifying speech and reducing background noise, making it easier for users to hear in noisy places. For example, a hearing-impaired person can use AI hearing aids to go throughcrowded streets, attend a lecture, or have a conversation in a bustling café without relying on lip-reading or sign language.

ii. AI and Cognitive Disabilities

AI is making waves in assisting people with cognitive disabilities, such as those on the autism spectrum or with intellectual impairments. AI-powered virtual assistants are helping individuals with cognitive disabilities complete tasks, manage their schedules, and receive reminders for important activities like taking medication or attending appointments.

In the field of education, AI-powered platforms like Auralog’s Tell Me More are used to provide personalised learning experiences for students with learning disabilities, offering speech recognition, reading assistance, and tailored lesson plans. Such systems allow individuals with cognitive impairments to learn at their own pace, reinforcing their right to education without discrimination.

iii. AI for Physical Disabilities

AI is also assisting those with mobility impairments. Robotic exoskeletons and assistive devices powered by AI are helping individuals with paraplegia or other mobility issues regain some ability to walk or move independently. Companies like Ekso Bionics and ReWalk Robotics are using AI to power wearable exoskeletons that enable people with spinal cord injuries to stand, walk, and even climb stairs. These devices allow users to regain mobility and engage in physical activities that they might otherwise be unable to do, promoting their right to physical freedom.

In addition, AI-driven smart homes are making daily tasks easier for individuals with physical disabilities. With voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexaor Google Assistant, users can control lights, doors, and appliances, making their living spaces more accessible and reducing reliance on others for basic needs.

c. The Human Rights Implications of AI for Accessibility

The integration of AI into the lives of people with disabilities has profound implications for human rights. By improving accessibility and reducing barriers, AI is directly contributing to the realisation of several fundamental rights, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):

However, it is important to acknowledge that the digital divide (the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who do not) remains a notable challenge for “We are not free until all of us are free.” – Maya Angelou. While AI-powered assistive technologies are becoming more widely available, they are often expensive and may not be accessible to all individuals with disabilities, particularly in low-income or rural areas. Addressing these inequalities is essential to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably and do not inadvertently deepen existing disparities.

2. AI in Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility

Another transformative way in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing human rights is by affecting the field of healthcare, particularly in terms of accessibility and quality of care. In many parts of the world, especially in underserved, rural, or developing regions, access to trained healthcare professionals is limited, making it difficult for people to receive timely diagnoses or life-saving treatments. In this context, AI helps bridge the healthcare gap by providing more efficient, affordable, and widespread access to essential medical services.

Moreover, AI-powered tools have the potential to detect diseases early, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enable remote healthcare delivery, which is crucial for vulnerable populations. These advancements are especially important for addressing the right to health, as outlined in international human rights frameworks, and ensuring that everyone (regardless of location, income, or status) has equal access to the healthcare they need.

a. Case Study: Google DeepMind and the Fight Against Blindness

A powerful example of AI improving healthcare accessibility is Google DeepMind’s AI system, which has made significant strides in diagnosing and predicting eye diseases, particularly diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These conditions are leading causes of blindness globally, and their early detection is critical in preventing irreversible vision loss. However, many individuals in low-resource settings lack access to specialised eye care, which makes it difficult to identify and treat these conditions in a timely manner.

In 2019, DeepMind’s AI algorithm demonstrated its ability to detect over 50 different eye conditions with an accuracy rate that matched that of world-leading ophthalmologists. The AI system uses deep learning to analyseretinal scans and identify signs of diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD, which are often asymptomatic in their early stages. Early intervention is key in preventing vision loss, and AI’s ability to diagnose these conditions more quickly and accurately is a game-changer for underserved populations.

Furthermore, the system’s success reveals AI’s potential to reduce the burden on healthcare systems, particularly in countries where specialisedmedical professionals may be scarce. For instance, in rural or remote regions, the technology can serve as a diagnostic support tool for primary care physicians or even community health workers, who may not have formal training in ophthalmology but can use the AI system to screen for potential eye problems.

This capacity for remote diagnostic support addresses the right to health for people living in areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited, helping to overcome geographic and economic barriers. For marginalised or rural communities, where healthcare professionals are often concentrated in urban centres, AI can bring medical expertise closer to where it is needed most, improving health outcomes and reducing health inequities.

b. AI in Healthcare for Underserved Regions

Beyond DeepMind’s work in eye care, there are numerous other examples of AI’s potential to improve healthcare accessibility in underserved regions. In many parts of the world, lack of access to doctors, long waiting times, and shortage of medical resources remain persistent bottlenecks. Here, AI tools are helping to fill the gap, offering critical support for diagnosis, treatment planning, and even the delivery of medical services.

i. AI in Diagnostics for Rural Areas

In many rural or low-income areas, the availability of trained medical personnel is limited. AI-powered diagnostic tools can serve as a first line of defence, helping to identify health issues that might otherwise go undiagnosed. For example, in India, the use of AI to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and pneumoniathrough X-ray scans is already having a notable impact. Qure.ai, an AI company based in India, developed an AI system that can analyse chest X-rays and detect signs of TB or pneumonia within seconds, offering diagnostic support in areas with a shortage of radiologists.

In rural regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where healthcare resources are often stretched thin, AI-powered diagnostic tools are helping to diagnose malaria, HIV, and diarrhoea diseases, which are major causes of death in the region. AI applications can assist healthcare workers in remote locations by offeringinstant analysis and offering guidance on appropriate treatment, thus improving the accuracy of diagnoses and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to receive medical care.

ii. Telemedicine and AI Integration

AI is playing an increasingly important role in telemedicine, making healthcare more accessible to people in remote areas. Telemedicine, or the practice of providing healthcare remotely via digital platforms, has gained widespread adoption, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. AI-enhanced telemedicine platforms are improving the quality of care provided through these virtual consultations, by helping doctors make more accurate decisions.

For instance, Babylon Health, a British telemedicine service, uses AI to provide virtual consultations via a chatbot, where patients can enter their symptoms and receive immediate feedback. The system uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand and interpret patient inputs, helping to determine the next course of action, whether it is a recommendation for a doctor’s visit, additional tests, or home care. For patients in underserved regions, this technology offers first-contact carewhen physical healthcare facilities are out of reach. It also helps reduce healthcare costs and ensures that people living in rural areas or conflict zones can receive prompt care and accurate advice.

iii. AI in Drug Discovery for Developing Countries

AI is not just a tool for diagnosis — it is also accelerating drug discovery, which can have major impact on healthcare access in low-resource settings. Developing new drugs traditionally takes many years and requires hugeinvestment, but AI’s ability to analyselarge datasets and predict potential drug candidates is speeding up the process. This is especially important for diseases that disproportionately affect low-income countries such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

For example, the AI company BenevolentAI is using machine learning to predict how existing drugs can be repurposed for diseases such as COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease. In the context of global health equity, AI could enable pharmaceutical companies to create more affordable treatments faster, especially for diseases that are not prioritised in wealthier countries but disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

c. AI and the Right to Health

The right to health is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This right is not only about access to healthcare but also about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status, have access to the best possible care. In many parts of the world, this has been a challenge due to lack of resources, trained professionals, and access to quality healthcare services.

AI is making measurable strides toward realising this right by addressing the accessibility, affordability, and timeliness of healthcare. Through AI-powered diagnostic tools, telemedicine, and data-driven healthcare systems, individuals in marginalised communities(whether in rural villages in Nigeria, slums in Nairobi, or remote regions of Latin America) are receiving better care. AI helps ensure that people don’t have to travel long distances or wait for months to see a doctor, while also alleviating the pressure on overburdened health systems.

Besides, AI can be used to optimise resource allocation, ensuring that medical supplies, doctors, and treatments are distributed equitably and efficiently, especially in emergency situations or during health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

d. Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite AI’s phenomenal potential, there are important hurdles and ethical considerations to address in ensuring AI improves healthcare accessibility equitably:

3. AI in Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

AI has been a enabler for achieving gender equality and empowering women. From improving access to healthcare and educational resources to creating opportunities for women to lead in the technology sector, AI plays animportant role in shattering barriers and promoting the right to education, health, and economic empowerment for women. However, while AI offers immense potential for advancing gender equality, it also raises issues, particularly regarding the representation of women in technology, the gender bias in AI algorithms, and the need for policies that make sure women benefit equally from these innovations.

i. AI for Women’s Health by Enhancing Access to Critical Information

In many parts of the world, women face major barriers in accessing accurate and timely information about their health, particularly in regions where healthcare systems are under-resourced or cultural taboos limit women’s ability to seek help. In these contexts, AI-driven platforms provide critical informationand resources that empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and well-being. These technologies are particularly important for issues related to sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, and mental health, areas that often suffer from a lack of resources and educational outreach.

a. Case Study: Chatbots for Women’s Health

AI-powered health chatbots are an excellent example of how technology improves access to health information for women. For instance, “Ada Health”, an AI-driven chatbot, allows users to input symptoms and receive health guidance, including advice about pregnancy, contraception, menstrual cycles, and general health concerns. This can be particularly beneficial in areas where healthcare workers are scarce or women may feel uncomfortable seeking advice due to social stigma.

Similarly, platforms like “Maya”, a mobile health assistant, offer women personalised health tips and reminders related to menstrual cycles, fertility, and sexual health. These services provide accessible health advice andanonymity, which can be crucial in regions where discussing sexual health openly is taboo or socially discouraged. Such platforms empower women by giving them the tools to make informed decisions about their bodies, enhancing their autonomy and right to health.

Additionally, AI-driven services can offer mental health support, particularly for women in low-resource settings. Platforms like Woebot, an AI-based mental health chatbot, offer real-time emotional support, helping women manage stress, anxiety, and depression, issues that disproportionately affect women worldwide. This form of mental health support is particularly important in underdeveloped areas, where mental health professionals may be in short supply.

b. Improving Maternal Health Through AI

Maternal mortality remains a major issue in many developing countries. AI is increasingly being used to help monitor and support pregnant women, offeringtimely interventions. For instance, AI tools like “Baby Monitor” use wearable sensors and data analytics to monitor maternal and fetal health in real time. These tools can detect early signs of complications such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, allowing for early medical intervention that can save lives. AI can also improve the training of healthcare workers by offering real-time, evidence-based guidelines for maternal care, especially in regions where access to skilled professionals is limited.

ii. Bridging the Gender Gap in Technology

Beyond healthcare, AI is helping to address the gender disparity in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), where women remain underrepresented. By promoting women in AI and creating opportunities for women to lead in technological innovation, AI is contributing to gender equality in the workforce and empowering women to play a central role in shaping the technologies of tomorrow.

a. Case Study: Women in AI (WAI)

WAI is an initiative aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in the tech industry. It brings together women professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the AI sector to network, collaborate, and promote gender diversity in AI development. WAI works globally to provide mentorship, training programs, and opportunities for women to advance their careers in AI, ensuring they are represented not only as users of technology but also as leaders and creators of AI-driven innovations.

In addition to WAI, other initiatives such as “AI for Good” and “Women Who Code” are focused on equipping women with the skills and support needed to thrive in AI fields. These organisations often offer scholarships, job placement opportunities, and career development resources, which help address the lack of women in AI research and development roles. The push for gender-inclusive innovation is important because diverse teams are more likely to build solutions that reflect the needs of all people, not just those of one gender.

By creating an ecosystem that supports women’s involvement in AI, these initiatives contribute directly to economic empowerment and the right to work. Women who can access training and employment in AI and technology are better able to control their economic futures, increase their incomes, and achieve independence, thereby reducing the gender gap in technology sectors.

b. AI for Women Entrepreneurs

AI helps women entrepreneurs, particularly in developing economies, access new opportunities and resources. Platforms powered by AI can offer women tools for business planning, market analysis, and financial forecasting, areas where women entrepreneurs may face difficulties due to limited access to capital and business networks.

For example, “HerStory”, an AI-powered platform, connects women entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and customers, enabling them to access resources that are often out of reach due to gender biases or lack of network connections. AI also helps women analyse market trends, track customer behaviour, and optimise their operations, making it easier to scale their businesses. For women in developing regions, such resources help them to compete in global markets and build more sustainable businesses, advancing their right to economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.

iii. AI and Gender Equality in Education

The integration of AI into education is another area where technology can be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality. AI-powered educational platforms offer personalised learning experiences, enabling both girls and boys to learn at their own pace and according to their specific needs. For girls in rural or low-income settings, AI can offer access to quality education without the constraints of geographic location or lack of access to formal educational institutions.

a. AI for Girls’ Education offer Access to Learning Resources

In regions where educational opportunities are limited, especially for girls, AI-powered learning platforms are breaking down barriers. Programs like Khan Academy, which uses AI to personalise learning experiences, allow girls in remote locations to access free, high-quality education in subjects such as math, science, and coding. With AI tools that track progress and suggest tailored lessons, girls can receive individualisedinstruction that can help them overcome specific learning challenges.

Similarly, Sana, an AI-driven platform used in sub-Saharan Africa, provides free educational resources and materials designed for low-income students. By incorporating AI to deliver personalisedlearning paths, Sana ensures that girls who may face additional social or economic challenges can still gain the skills needed to compete academically and professionally.

b. AI and Language Barriers in Education

Another area where AI is contributing to gender equality in education is in language learning. AI-driven applications like Duolingo and Google Translate help women in non-English speaking countries learn new languages, which is importantfor accessing global job markets, especially in the tech sector. This has particular significance for women, as language skills are often a barrier to economic advancement and empowerment.

iv. Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI has immense potential to support gender equality, it also presents hurdles that must be addressed to ensure that these technologies truly benefit women. One major concern is gender bias in AI algorithms. If AI models are trained on biased datasets, they can perpetuate existing inequalities, leading to discriminatory outcomes in areas like hiring, healthcare, and criminal justice. Ensuring that AI is developed and implemented in an inclusive, non-biased manner is essential for achieving gender equality.

Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy and security when it comes to women’s health data. As more women turn to AI-powered platforms for sensitive information about their health, ensuring that this data is kept private and secure is critical in protecting women’s rights.

4. AI in Eroding Human Rights

Despite its potential benefits, AI also poses serious risks to human rights when deployed irresponsibly. The biggest concern lies in how AI can perpetuate discrimination, reinforce existing biases, and infringe upon personal freedoms.

a. AI in Policing and Surveillance

AI is increasingly being used in policing, often in the form of predictive policing, facial recognition, and surveillance technologies. While these systems are designed to improve public safety, they have raised serious human rights concerns due to their potential to infringe on the right to privacy and freedom of expression.

i. Case Study: The Use of Facial Recognition in Policing

In China, the government has implemented extensive AI-powered facial recognition systems, monitoring citizens in public spaces and tracking their movements. This has led to accusations of mass surveillance and violations of privacy rights. In the U.S., similar technologies have been deployed by police forces, such as in the case of the “Clearview AI” software, which scrapes public images from the internet to create databases for law enforcement. Critics argue that these systems disproportionately target marginalisedcommunities, such as people of colour, and violate civil liberties, especially when used without proper regulation or consent.

In both cases, the use of AI to track individuals raises fundamental concerns about freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the right to privacy. AI surveillance tools are prone to misuse and could potentially be deployed in authoritarian regimes to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression, further eroding fundamental human rights.

b. Discrimination in AI Algorithms

A very major concerns regarding AI is its potential to perpetuate biases. Many AI systems, especially in hiring, criminal justice, and lending, have been shown to reinforce existing societal inequalities. This is because these systems are often trained on historical data that reflect biases present in society (data that may unintentionally perpetuate discrimination against marginalised groups).

i. Case Study: Bias in AI Hiring Algorithms

In 2018, Amazon scrapped an AI recruitment tool after it was discovered that the algorithm was biased against women. The system was trained on resumes submitted over a 10-year period, a period during which men were disproportionately hired in tech roles. As a result, the AI began to favour resumes with male-oriented language or resumes submitted by men, even when the actual qualifications were identical. This led to a discriminatory hiring process, perpetuating gender inequality in the tech industry.

This example highlights the risk of algorithmic bias in decision-making systems, which can erode the right to equality and non-discrimination. If not properly monitored, AI could deepen the gender pay gap, racial disparities in criminal justice, and unequal access to opportunities, ultimately undermining human rights.

c. The Dark Side of AI in Warfare

AI is also increasingly being integrated into military technologies, such as autonomous drones and robots used for combat. These AI-powered weaponsraise serious ethical questions and human rights concerns, particularly around the potential for extrajudicial killings and the dehumanisation of warfare. In some cases, AI could be used to launch targeted strikes based on automated decisions, without human intervention, increasing the risk of violations of international human rights law.

The use of AI in warfare may also affect the right to life, as the risk of indiscriminate violence increases. AI’s inability to exercise judgment or understand the full context of complex human situations makes it a controversial and dangerous tool in the realm of military operations.

5. Addressing the Challenges: Ethics and Regulation

To ensure that AI enhances rather than erodes human rights, there is an urgent need for robust ethical frameworks, regulation, and oversight. Several organisations and governments are working on creating guidelines for the ethical use of AI. For example:

These frameworks are essential to mitigating the risks of AI, ensuring that it serves humanity without infringing on fundamental rights.

In conclusion, the future depends on what we do in the present according toMahatma Gandhi. AI holds immense potential to advance human rights across multiple dimensions, including accessibility, healthcare, gender equality, and economic empowerment. For individuals with disabilities, AI-powered innovations like voice recognition, computer vision, and assistive technologies are breaking down barriers to independence, autonomy, and participation in society, ensuring that disability does not hinder access to fundamental human rights. In healthcare, AI is improving access to life-saving services, particularly in underserved regions, by offering tools for faster, more accurate diagnoses, remote consultations, and personalised care, which directly supports the right to health. AI is also playing a key role in promoting gender equality by offering women critical health information, creating opportunities for education, and facilitating economic empowerment, especially through initiatives that reduce the gender gap in technology and leadership roles. However, as AI continues to evolve, it is essential to address challenges such as biases in algorithms, privacy concerns, and unequal access to technology to prevent further marginalisation. To unlock AI’s full potential as a tool for good, its development must be grounded in ethical principles of fairness, justice, and human dignity. By ensuring inclusivity, equitable access, and ongoing accountability in AI deployment, we can harness its transformative power to enhance human rights, promote social equity, and create a more just and sustainable future for all.

Thank you for the investment in time, andHappy Human Rights Day. I am open to discussions on proven approaches to improve human rights. To be alerted each time I create a new post, follow myMedium: https://medium.com/@roariyo and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olufemiariyo/ or send an email to [email protected]