Leveraging AI for Ethical Decision-Making: A Call for Transparency and Human Oversight

In just 10 years, Yuval Noah Harari warns, millions of AI bureaucrats could be making decisions that shape the world. These decisions, concerning jobs, finance, government policies, and even immigration, might be difficult for humans to comprehend. Power, in this scenario, would shift away from humans and into the hands of AI, leaving us at the mercy of algorithms we don’t fully understand.

Harari’s prediction is not a far-off dystopian fantasy but an imminent reality that demands our immediate attention. The rise of AI in bureaucratic roles has the potential to improve efficiency and eliminate certain human biases, but it also introduces significant risks. If we allow AI systems to run unchecked, making critical decisions without human oversight, we open the door to new forms of discrimination, injustice, and inequality.

AI Bureaucrats: The Future or a Threat?

As Harari explains, we are already moving towards a world where algorithms handle an increasing number of decisions—whether to approve a loan, hire someone, or admit a student to a university. These systems are designed to be more efficient and unbiased than their human counterparts, yet they carry their own set of problems. Without the ability to fully understand or question the decisions made by these AI systems, humans, including politicians and experts, could lose control over the outcomes that shape our society.

In this potential future, elections might still exist, but what would democracy mean if AIs are making the most impactful decisions? Harari paints a picture where power shifts subtly but steadily away from humans and into the hands of AI, which could make decisions that are difficult, if not impossible, for humans to comprehend or challenge.

This scenario poses a critical question: how do we ensure that AI bureaucrats act fairly and transparently, and how do we safeguard human rights in a world increasingly governed by machines?

Avoiding Discrimination Through AI

As someone who has personally experienced discrimination in the U.S. immigration process, I know firsthand how flawed decision-making can be. My application for U.S. citizenship was denied 10 years ago under the guise of a “too early” submission. The truth, however, was more insidious: the decision was driven by discrimination against my sexual orientation. This experience underscores the urgent need for transparency and fairness in decision-making processes, particularly when AI is involved.

AI systems have the potential to reduce human bias, but they can also amplify and codify existing prejudices if not carefully designed and regulated. In my personal journey toward U.S. citizenship, AI could have played a vital role in ensuring that my application was assessed impartially, without the influence of bias regarding my sexuality.

As I outlined in my open letter to the U.S. Congress titled "Act Now," AI must be subjected to thorough review processes to prevent discriminatory practices. When applied responsibly, AI can bring transparency, objectivity, and fairness to decision-making processes, but human oversight is essential to ensure these systems are functioning as intended. AI should complement human decision-making, not replace it entirely.

For instance, the Canadian immigration system has already begun using machine learning to process applications, offering a glimpse into how AI can expedite decisions while reducing human bias. This approach holds great promise, but it also demands careful scrutiny to prevent systemic bias from seeping into the algorithms that power these systems.

A Personal Example of Discrimination

My own experience with the U.S. immigration system is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked bias in decision-making. Despite meeting the residency requirements for citizenship, I was told my application had been submitted "too early"—a pretext to mask the real reason for the denial: my same-sex marriage. As a result, I was forced to withdraw my application, an injustice that might have been avoided if AI, programmed to evaluate based solely on objective criteria, had been involved in the process.

The integration of AI in immigration and other bureaucratic systems offers a chance to eliminate subjective human biases, but only if these systems are carefully regulated and balanced with human oversight. AI should not be seen as a magical fix but as a tool that must be wielded with caution and care.

Trump's Implications: A Democratic Dilemma

Donald Trump’s statement that this election could be the last time Christians will have to vote adds an alarming dimension to Harari’s prediction. If AI systems are already making critical decisions about who gets a job or a loan, and if political leaders like Trump imply that future elections might no longer exist, we must consider the potential erosion of democracy in this AI-dominated future.

AIs that operate without human understanding or input threaten not only individual rights but also the foundation of our democratic system. When political leaders suggest that elections might become obsolete, they are, in effect, endorsing a world where decisions are made by an elite few—or by machines.

The Path Forward: Human Oversight and Ethical AI

The future may very well be shaped by AI, but we must ensure that this future is equitable, transparent, and just. AI systems must be designed with ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks that prioritize human rights and prevent the kinds of discrimination I faced during my citizenship application process.

We must also create mechanisms for human oversight, allowing us to review and challenge AI decisions. This will ensure that AI complements human judgment rather than replacing it entirely. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity must be at the forefront of AI development and deployment.

To safeguard the integrity of our democratic systems and protect individuals from bias, we must act now. AI has the potential to transform society for the better, but only if we take the necessary steps to ensure that these systems are fair, ethical, and subject to human oversight.

Conclusion

As AI systems increasingly take on bureaucratic roles, we face a crucial challenge: how do we ensure that these systems are fair, transparent, and just? My personal experience with discrimination in the U.S. immigration system underscores the importance of creating AI systems that eliminate bias while maintaining human oversight. The future of AI will undoubtedly shape our society, but it’s up to us to ensure that this future aligns with the principles of fairness, equality, and human dignity.

By advocating for ethical AI, we can create a world where technology serves as a tool for justice, not oppression.