AI for Citizens: Empowering through knowledge, trust, and progress! CLAIRE X NoEs AQuA webinar

By Tereza Pospíšilová, Anna Tahovská

The CLAIRE X NoEs AQuA: AI for Citizens event, held on August 28, 2024, brought together leading European AI experts and provided a thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and its implications for citizens and society.  The discussion was part of the CLAIRE All Questions Answered (AQuA) Series, a relaxed, interactive format designed to encourage audience participation, with questions fielded directly by the panellists. This particular session focused on real-world AI applications developed by the European Networks of Excellence Centres (NoEs) over the past four years, spanning from areas such as media and education to ethical and legal aspects of AI applications, was organised by CLAIRE Office Prague and Paris and under the auspices of the VISION Project.

The panel consisted of four experts, representing three different Networks of Excellence (NoEs) in AI, Data, and Robotics:

• Paul Lukowicz, Project Coordinator of HumanE-AI-Net and Scientific Director at DFKI Kaiserslautern.
• Oscar Deniz Suarez, Professor at University Castilla La Mancha and representative of dAIEDGE.
• Danae Tsabouraki, Project Manager at ATC Innovation Lab, representing AI4Media.
• Adrian Popescu, Researcher with CEA LIST, representing AI4Media.

Public Awareness and Education as building stones for uptake

The discussion, moderated by Elizabeth El Haddad European Project Officer at  Inria, covered a wide range of topics, from the ethical considerations of AI development to the practical applications that directly benefit citizens. One key focus was the role of AI in the media. Danae Tsabouraki emphasised the importance of building trust in AI technologies, stating, "Media and journalists affect society as a whole; we try to make these technologies more trustful and reliable for end customers." Adrian Popescu echoed this sentiment, noting that while AI can both help and harm, the media’s role in highlighting AI's dangers is often exaggerated: "The dangers are usually taken to the surface by the media, influencers, or other people. We should not focus on that, it's not long-lasting."

Education and public awareness were recurring themes throughout the session. The panellists stressed the need for better AI education for both the general public and professionals. Danae pointed out, "We need to educate the end users, especially about the limitations," while Adrian added, "We should teach kids how to use AI responsibly." The importance of early exposure to AI technologies, especially for children, was emphasised by Paul Lukowicz from HumanE-AI-Net, who argued that "Children should be exposed to technology as soon as possible" to ensure they are prepared for a future shaped by AI.

Ethical and Legal aspects of AI applications as a building stone for the framework

The ethical challenges surrounding AI were another major topic. Paul Lukowicz highlighted the complexities of implementing AI in a trustworthy and ethical manner, stating, "It is very clear what we want AI to be like. But we need to ask specific questions about how to effectively implement it in regards to legal, ethical, and other requirements." He also compared the current AI revolution to past technological shifts, noting that "the impact of AI in today's world is comparable to the first industrial revolution."

From a practical standpoint, Oscar Deniz Suarez of dAIEDGE discussed the potential of AI in sectors like health care, where it could revolutionise patient care and diagnostics. However, he also acknowledged the challenges, particularly in obtaining secure and reliable data, which is critical for AI-driven advancements.

Research-Industry collaboration as building stone for further development

The panellists highlighted both the opportunities and challenges AI presents, from enhancing media reliability to revolutionising healthcare. The emphasis on education, trustworthiness, and ethical considerations made it clear that AI’s future depends not only on technological advancements but also on how well society prepares for and adapts to these changes. This AQuA event exemplified the importance of collaboration between research institutions, industry, and the public in shaping AI’s role in our daily lives. By continuing these conversations, we can ensure that AI serves as a positive force for citizens across Europe and beyond.

Watch the full recording here: CLAIRE X NoEs AQuA: AI for Citizens (youtube.com)