The Need for Human Rights in the Age of AI | Ed Santow

Edward Santow, former Australian Human Rights Commissioner, is delighted to introduce his new book Machines in Our Image: The Need for Human Rights in the Age of AI.

In this book, Edward Santow and Daniel Nellor explore the rise of AI and its promise to advance human well-being while also considering the risks and dangers it presents and how to address them.

As Australia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Edward Santow led Australia’s first major inquiry into the human rights implications of new and emerging technologies. Drawing from his experience, this book explores some of the most urgent questions Australia faces today.

Greg Dickason, Managing Director LexisNexis Asia & Pacific, recognises the impact AI has, and will continue to have, on the legal profession, stating that the rapid adoption of AI is  “a moment unlike any we have seen in the legal industry”. While recognising the huge benefits that the adoption of AI presents in advancing the Rule of Law, he also highlighted the importance of the appropriate and considered adoption of AI. He stated, “LexisNexis are proud to be publishing this new book exploring this important topic, providing a fresh look on how to ensure ethical adoption of AI in a world of rapid technological change”.

Artificial intelligence draws on the data we humans have created and reflects our history back to us. For better or worse, we are making machines in our image. AI is changing how we think,  how we make decisions and how we navigate the world. It presents a fever dream of utopian and dystopian visions. AI would seem to promise everything from an end to deadly disease to limitless wisdom at our fingertips. Yet this brave new world also threatens new kinds of digital repression.

Ed Santow states, ‘There is so much positive potential for AI. It is already transforming healthcare and helping to democratise information and even insights. If we can ensure that the  harms associated with AI are effectively addressed, including by our law, then we will be able to  focus more on the great opportunity that AI opens up for our community.’

As the age of AI takes shape around us, we need to centre the best of our values. We need a way of thinking ethically about how the machines we have made will shape our future. This book discusses how human rights can help us respond to the rise of AI in ways that advance the ideas of dignity, equality and respect.