A Human Rights Based Approach to AI

This MOOC explores the profound impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) can have on human rights, both positively and negatively, by presenting new challenges for individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Through diverse case studies, we illustrate how adopting a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) can help navigate both the promises and perils of AI, highlighting why this framework is crucial in addressing these complex issues.

Using examples from fields such as social media and the public sector, we emphasize the potential risks associated with AI, particularly in areas like decision-making and transparency. We also delve into the phenomenon of deepfakes and the spread of ‘fake news,’ examining how the rapid advancement of generative AI amplifies the challenge of verifying information and maintaining trust in public institutions.

We state that by adopting the lens of a HRBA to AI we can facilitate deeper understanding and respect of the principles and values of Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment and Legality (PANEL), all at the core of both human rights and the ethical values encircling AI.

Course Outline

The MOOC runs over 5 weeks and is organised as follows

Module 1 - Human Rights and AI: an Introduction

Setting the scene: AI and human rights: promise and peril
How and why is a human rights-based approach relevant to AI?
The PANEL principles

Module 2 - AI, Social media and human rights

The use of AI in social media
Identifying human rights impacts
Addressing the use of AI in social media through a human rights-based approach

Module 3 - AI in the public sector

The use of AI in the public sector: education, health and social protection
Human rights and ethical impacts of AI in the public sector
Addressing the challenges: A HRBA to AI in the public sector

Module 4 - Generative AI and human rights

The human rights and societal impacts of generative AI
Impacts on vulnerable and marginalised groups
Addressing the impacts of generative AI using a human rights-based approach

Module 5 – The human-rights based approach in action

AI in the classroom
AI in social media
Wrap-up and call to action

Lecturers and Experts

In this MOOC, we invited lecturers from the Global Campus network, experts from relevant UN bodies and agencies, as well as researchers and academics from around the world, shedding light on specific regional issues (read all bios here). The faculty includes:

Coordinators

Thérèse Murphy

Queen's University Belfast

Line Gamrath Rasmussen

Danish Institute for Human Rights

Sue Anne Teo

Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Lecturers

Laura Lazaro Cabrera

Equity and Data Programme, CDT Europe Office

Rikke Frank Joergensen

Danish Institute for Human Rights

David Kaye

University of California, Irvine, School of Law

Keketso Kgomosotho

University of Vienna

Chloe Lee

Encode Justice, South Korea

Anna Su

University of Toronto

Łukasz Szoszkiewicz

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will have learned how to:

assess the human rights and ethical impacts posed by the use of AI in a range of areas
critically understand whether and how human rights law, and the broader ethical approach, is adequate in addressing the new challenges of AI
analyse and apply the human rights-based approach to ensure that we harness the potential of AI while helping to address its disadvantages

F.A.Q.s

Enrolment

How do I enrol in the course?

Click the "Enrol" button to begin the enrolment process. First, register for free on the Open edX platform, then log in to enrol in the course.

Is there a selection procedure to participate in the course?

The course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means we do not select participants on any basis. Rather, we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic to enrol and participate for free.

Fees

I would like to know if the course is free or if some parts are to be paid

Our course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means all components are open and totally free for anyone.

Do I need to pay any fee to attend the course?

There are no registration or tuition fees. The certificate of participation is also free and offered to all those who successfully complete all the course requirements (see below for details on the certificate).

Accessibility

Is the course accessible to persons with disabilities?

We want all participants in our courses to enjoy a great learning experience and we strive to always improve accessibility. Each week of the course includes one or two video lectures with accompanying transcripts and reading materials. The texts are in PDF format, work at low bandwidths, are printable and can be zoomed to the desired size. Some readings may include pages from accessible websites. This makes all of them accessible to those who use assistive technology software such as screen readers. Likewise, weekly discussions and module quizzes can be completed through our platform which is accessible, for example, to people who use speech input, keyboard accessible controls or text to speech tools. For more details please visit EdX Website Accessibility Policy.

Structure and content

Is there a schedule for the course or is it self-directed?

The course is self-paced and mostly asynchronous so participants can study in their own time. However, to enhance peer learning, interactive participation and self-assessment, weekly topics and discussions as well as module quizzes are proposed at set dates. In any case, they are all open until the end of the course to facilitate access and completion at any preferred time.

Certificate of completion

What do I need to do to get the certificate of participation?

At the end of the course, if you have actively participated in all required weekly discussions and successfully completed all quizzes, you will receive a certificate confirming your participation.