AI Bias Could Put Women's Lives At Risk - A Challenge For Regulators

When the European Commission released the long awaited white paper "On Artificial Intelligence - A European approach to excellence and trust" on February 19, much of the initial public reaction focused on potential AI regulation further challenging the EU's position in light of fierce technological competition from China and the United States. Few discussed the European Commission's document mention of gender and ethical guidelines. Importantly, the white paper calls for "requirements to take reasonable measures aimed at ensuring that [the] use of AI systems does not lead to outcomes entailing prohibited discrimination." This is not simply about a theoretical approach to discrimination. It is largely also about saving (women's) lives - and ensuring that essential products and services meet the needs of both women and men.