In a recent interview, AI ethicist Rumman Chowdhury highlights the escalating risks posed by unchecked AI, including misinformation, surveillance, and ethical delegations, urging flexible governance frameworks and legislative action like the Workforce for AI Trust Act to ensure responsible AI development.
As the race to develop advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerates globally, pivotal conversations around its regulation and ethical implications have come to the forefront. In a recent interview with Marc Lamont Hill for Al Jazeera, Rumman Chowdhury, AI ethicist and CEO of Humane Intelligence, emphasised the urgent need for accountability in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology. The discussion highlighted concerns about AI’s increasing involvement in amplifying misinformation, government surveillance, and military applications, raising questions about how society can impose checks on such powerful tools.
Chowdhury expressed deep trepidation regarding the consequences of unchecked AI deployment, particularly as tech giants and governments pursue ambitious projects with little consensus on ethical guidelines. One critical issue she raised was the potential for AI to undermine democratic processes by spreading false information, exacerbating divisions and societal conflicts. Additionally, her dialogue pointed to the troubling integration of AI in state surveillance, which can infringe on civil liberties and exacerbate systemic biases. These concerns echo broader anxieties regarding the influence of tech billionaires and their sway over global politics, making the case for more robust governance structures even more urgent.
Amidst this backdrop, Chowdhury advocates for a model of accountability that connects ethical AI development with societal impact. In earlier conversations, she has critiqued the tech industry for its tendency to engage in what she calls ‘moral outsourcing,’ whereby the onus of responsibility is deflected onto the technology itself rather than the people and institutions that create and deploy it. This commentary is part of a larger narrative that stresses the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in AI design to mitigate risks associated with community disengagement from technological advancements.
In response to the growing need for a structured approach to AI governance, Chowdhury’s organisation, Humane Intelligence, has thrown its support behind legislative initiatives such as the Workforce for AI Trust Act. This act aims to cultivate a skilled workforce adept at assessing algorithms rigorously, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are deployed safely and equitably. Chowdhury points out that developing a community of practice around algorithmic assessment is essential, particularly in addressing the technology’s ethical implications while fostering public trust.
Moreover, she highlights the critical role of flexible regulatory frameworks that can adapt to the rapid pace of AI evolution. Without such frameworks, she argues, society risks falling behind in establishing the necessary legal protections governing AI’s deployment. In her advocacy, Chowdhury stresses the need for transparency in AI systems and clear definitions around algorithmic auditing, which would serve as essential tools for public accountability.
As these dialogues unfold, they suggest a compelling vision for a balanced path forward in AI development—one that harmonises technological advancement with ethical considerations and societal benefits. This approach, as Chowdhury contends, can ensure that AI contributes to human flourishing rather than detracts from it, fostering an ecosystem in which innovation proceeds hand-in-hand with responsibility.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aljazeera.com/program/upfront/2025/6/6/can-ai-be-held-accountable-ai-ethicist-on-tech-giants-and-the-ai-boom – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.aljazeera.com/program/upfront/2025/6/6/can-ai-be-held-accountable-ai-ethicist-on-tech-giants-and-the-ai-boom – In this Al Jazeera interview, AI ethicist Rumman Chowdhury discusses the rapid development of artificial intelligence by tech companies and governments worldwide. She highlights concerns about AI’s role in amplifying misinformation and its use in government surveillance and warfare. Chowdhury also addresses the influence of tech billionaires on global politics and the challenges in regulating AI’s impact. The conversation underscores the need for accountability and ethical considerations in AI’s integration into society.
- https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/29/rumman-chowdhury-interview-artificial-intelligence-accountability – In this Guardian interview, Rumman Chowdhury, AI ethicist and CEO of Humane Intelligence, discusses the challenges of AI accountability. She critiques the tech industry’s exclusion of diverse perspectives and the tendency to blame technology for societal issues, a concept she terms ‘moral outsourcing’. Chowdhury advocates for mechanisms of accountability and emphasizes the importance of understanding AI’s societal impact, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.
- https://www.humane-intelligence.org/post/humane-intelligence-supports-the-workforce-for-ai-trust-act – Humane Intelligence expresses support for the Workforce for AI Trust Act, aiming to develop a community of practice for algorithmic assessment. The organisation emphasizes the necessity of an experienced workforce to deploy AI technology safely and securely, aligning with their mission to ensure AI benefits all. The post includes links to the AI Workforce Bill and Humane Intelligence’s letter of support, underscoring their commitment to responsible AI development.
- https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/adults/scicafe/ai-ethics – The American Museum of Natural History’s SciCafe event features Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence, discussing AI ethics and responsible practices. Chowdhury addresses AI’s impact on society, the importance of improving access to AI, and strategies for harm reduction in machine learning. The event highlights the need for ethical considerations in AI integration and the role of public engagement in shaping AI’s future.
- https://www.cfr.org/blog/governing-artificial-intelligence-conversation-rumman-chowdhury – In this Council on Foreign Relations blog post, Rumman Chowdhury discusses the governance of artificial intelligence. She emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in AI systems, advocating for clear definitions of algorithmic auditing and legal protections for third-party assessors. Chowdhury highlights the importance of flexible regulatory institutions to address the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their societal implications.
- https://www.thehill.com/opinion/technology/4047323-artificial-intelligence-doesnt-have-to-be-inhumane/ – In this opinion piece for The Hill, Rumman Chowdhury and Sue Hendrickson argue that artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be inhumane. They warn against a technocentric world where the pursuit of AI growth outweighs human flourishing. The authors discuss the potential for AI to enhance productivity without compromising human well-being, advocating for a balanced approach to AI development that prioritizes ethical considerations and societal benefits.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent interview published on 6 June 2025, ensuring high freshness. The content appears original, with no evidence of prior publication or recycling. The inclusion of updated data and direct quotes from Rumman Chowdhury supports this assessment.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Rumman Chowdhury in the narrative match those from the Al Jazeera interview published on 6 June 2025. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating originality. Variations in wording across different sources are noted, but the core message remains consistent.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from Al Jazeera, a reputable news organisation known for its journalistic standards. Rumman Chowdhury is a recognised AI ethicist and CEO of Humane Intelligence, with a verifiable public presence. The narrative is well-sourced, with references to multiple reputable outlets, enhancing its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative align with known positions of Rumman Chowdhury and are consistent with her previous statements on AI ethics and accountability. The narrative is well-structured, with specific factual anchors such as names, institutions, and dates, supporting its plausibility. The language and tone are appropriate for the topic and region, with no inconsistencies noted.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable organisation. Direct quotes from Rumman Chowdhury are consistent with her known positions, and the content is well-structured and plausible. No significant credibility risks were identified.
