Computer says no. Will fairness survive in the AI age?

Hollywood has colourful notions about artificial intelligence (AI). The popular image is a future where robot armies spontaneously turn to malevolence, pitching humanity in a battle against extinction. In reality, the risks posed by AI today are more insidious and harder to unpick. They are often a by-product of the technology's seemingly endless application in modern society and increasing role in everyday life, perhaps best highlighted by Microsoft's latest multi-billion-dollar investment into ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. Either way, it's unsurprising that AI generates so much debate, not least in how we can build regulatory safeguards to ensure we master the technology, rather than surrender control to the machines. Right now, we tackle AI using a patchwork of laws and regulations, as well as guidance that doesn't have the force of law. Against this backdrop, it's clear that current frameworks are likely to change – perhaps significantly.