Kate Crawford

Atlas of AI

1. IDEA 1

   AI is not just software

   Crawford argues that artificial intelligence is neither artificial nor simply intelligent. It depends on physical resources, human labour and huge amounts of data, and it reflects the interests of those who build it.

2. IDEA 2

   AI depends on mining

   Crawford describes how AI systems rely on minerals such as lithium, mined at great environmental cost. Data centres also use large amounts of energy and water. Crawford shows that AI has a physical footprint, not just a digital one.

3. IDEA 3

   Hidden workers power AI

   Crawford describes the low-paid workers who label data and moderate content behind AI systems. Their labour is often invisible. Without this human work, many systems that look automatic would not function at all.

All 8 ideas from Atlas of AI →