Gender bias is a threat to future Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications: Opinion

According to the latest World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (2018), only 22 percent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals globally are female compared to 78 percent who are male. This accounts for the general gender gap of 72 percent yet to close. This finding is not only alarming in itself, but a stunning reminder of the urgent action needed by all stakeholders to mitigate the threat posed by gender bias outcomes in future AI applications. Speaking during a session on Design by diversity at the recently concluded ITU Telecom World event in Budapest, Hungary, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) outlined the potential of AI as one of the key technologies that will enable the digital transformation for many countries both within the Commonwealth and beyond. Emerging technologies, such as AI, are considered as digital technology equalisers rather than being used to create further digital divide.