Código y Consciencias: Women in the Development of Ethical AI in Mexico
By: Marissa Alayna Navarro
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming societies across the globe, bringing unprecedented opportunities and challenges.[1] In Mexico, the development of AI technologies has sparked conversations about fairness, accountability, and ethics.[2] As AI systems become more integrated in various aspects of life—from healthcare to the environment—ensuring that these technologies are developed and implemented in a manner that is fair and just is crucial.[3]
In this context, Mexican women have emerged as key players in steering the national discourse on AI towards inclusivity, fairness, and regulation practices.[4] For instance, the efforts of leaders like Senator Lagunes and Dr. Gomez Mont brings awareness to the need of regulation and ethical considerations of AI in Mexico.[5] This paper will highlight these women as they lead algorithmic justice efforts in Mexico.[6] By focusing on their work, this article explores the power of technology when used for the common good.[7]
1. Senator Alejandra Lagunes: Legislative Leadership in AI Governance
Senator Alejandra Lagunes has been a trailblazer in the Mexican legislative arena, particularly concerning the governance of AI.[8] With a background in digital strategy, Senator Lagunes has utilized her expertise to advocate for the responsible use of AI in Mexico.[9] Her leadership has been instrumental in pushing forward legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring that AI systems in Mexico are not only innovative but also ethical and accountable.[10]
As Head of La Alianza Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial (ANIA), its mission is to gather stakeholders from various sectors to analyze the use of AI in Mexico and how to mitigate harm.[11] Through, various principles the task force works toward an AI system that promotes equal opportunities for all.[12] Senator Lagunes has been a key proponent of creating a legal framework that addresses the potential biases and ethical concerns inherent in AI systems.[13] She has emphasized the need for transparency in AI algorithms and advocated for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the development of AI technologies to prevent discriminatory outcomes.[14] In 2023, the Senator championed a bill that would allow Congress to enact laws on AI.[15] As Mexico currently has no AI regulations.[16] She has emphasized the need for safeguards before possible harm, stating “Regulating based on fear can halt innovation and the possibility of leveling the ground between Mexico and other countries from the Global South with the big tech developers in the Global North.”[17]
In support of these goals, ANIA released a report with recommendations for both public and private sectors on how they can effectively use AI while creating safeguards to protect Mexicans and consumers worldwide.[18] This report underscores the importance of having mechanisms in place to audit AI systems and ensure they operate fairly across all sectors of society.[19] Senator Lagunes’ leadership and ANIA’s comprehensive recommendations demonstrate her commitment to shaping a democratic and equitable AI landscape in Mexico.[20]
2. Dr. Constanza Gómez Mont: Advocacy for Effective Eco-intelligence
Another significant figure in the landscape of AI governance in Mexico is Dr. Constanza Gómez Mont, a renowned expert in public policy and technology.[21] As the founder of C Minds, a women-led action think tank focused on harnessing technology for social good.[22] Her efforts have led to Latin America’s first Open Banking standards and setting the foundation for the national Mexican AI strategy.[23] Dr. Gómez Mont work has focused on the intersection of technology and society.[24]
Dr. Gómez Mont has spearheaded initiatives on how technology creates environmental impacts.[25] Through, AI for Climate, she has been able to focus on how individuals and organizations can utilize technology to mitigate the risk of global environmental crisis while activating the economy.[26] Her advocacy efforts in the pilot project “Tech4Nature Mexico” has highlighted the possibilities of using AI to accelerate conservation and regeneration of biodiversity and ecosystem.[27] For example, in the Dzilam State Reseve on the Yucatan Peninsula, monitoring algorithms are used to “classify and identify priority species, such as the jaguar.”[28] Additionally, its work has been said to reduce human threats to the reserve, such as illegal hunting.[29]
Dr. Gomez-Mont’s advocacy and innovative approach has positioned her as a key figure in advancing ethical AI governance in Mexico.[30] Her pioneering work at the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability not only underscores the potential of AI in addressing challenges but showcases technology when used effectively.[31]
Conclusion
The involvement of women like Senator Lagunes and Dr. Gómez Mont in the AI landscape is not just a matter of representation; it guarantees AI technologies are developed with an understanding of justice and equity.[32] As these technologies evolve, women’s continued influence will be essential in certifying that Mexico’s AI advancements serve the broader good, driving progress for all.[33]
[1] 1 What is A.I. (AI)?, IBM, https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence (last visited Mar. 27, 2024); John McCarthy, What is A.I., Stan. Univ. (Nov. 12, 2007), https://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai.pdf.
[2] Anna Lagos, Mexico Avanza con su plan nacional para el Desarrollo etico de la inteligencia artificial, Wired (Jul. 3, 2024) , https://es.wired.com/articulos/mexico-avanza-con-su-plan-nacional-para-el-desarrollo-etico-de-la-inteligencia-artificial.
[3] Id.
[4] Anna Lagos, Ellas son las mujeres que nos protegeran de los riesgos de la IA en America Latina, Wired (Mar. 8, 2024), https://es.wired.com/articulos/ellas-son-las-mujeres-que-nos-protegeran-de-los-riesgos-de-la-ia-en-america-latina.
[5] Id.
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Quien Soy, Ale Lagune, https://www.alejandralagunes.mx/quien-soy (last visited Sept. 7, 2024).
[9] Id.
[10] Seguimeiento Legislativo Inteligencia Artificial, ANIA, https://www.ania.org.mx/seguimiento-legislativo (last visited Sept. 7, 2024); Pablo Fuentes Nettel, Beyond Central Gov’t.: How ANIA is Shaping Mexico’s A.I. Landscape, Oxford Insights (Aug. 7, 2024), https://oxfordinsights.com/insights/beyond-central-government-how-ania-is-shaping-mexicos-ai-landscape/.
[11] Pablo Fuentes Nettel, Beyond Central Governmentt.: How ANIA is Shaping Mexico’s A.I. Landscape, Oxford Insights (Aug. 7, 2024), https://oxfordinsights.com/insights/beyond-central-government-how-ania-is-shaping-mexicos-ai-landscape/.
[12] Id.
[13] Plantea Alejandra Lagunes Ley General De Neuroderechos y Neurotecnologias, Verde (Jul. 17, 2024), https://www.partidoverde.org.mx/prensa/senado/boletines/25597-plantea-alejandra-lagunes-ley-general-de-neuroderechos-y-neurotecnologias.
[14] Id.
[15] Iniciativas, Gaceta del Senado (Sept. 26, 2023), https://www.senado.gob.mx/65/gaceta_del_senado/documento/137999.
[16] Diana Baptista, Latin American Joins Global AI Regul. Race as Threats Grow, The Star (Jan. 30 2024), https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/01/30/latin-america-joins-global-ai-regulations-race-as-threats-grow.
[17] Id.
[18] Propuesta de Agenda Nacional de la Inteligencia Artificial para Mexico 2024-2030, ANIA (May 2024), https://www.ania.org.mx/_files/ugd/447d95_ae0e425d83644651bd19ab4acdfd9007.pdf.
[19] Id.
[20] Id.
[21] Constanza Gomez-Mont, World Economic Forum, https://www.weforum.org/people/constanza-gomez-mont/ (last visited Sept. 7, 2024); About Us, C Minds, https://www.cminds.co (last visited Sept. 7, 2024).
[22] Gomez-Mont, supra note 21; C Minds, supra note 21.
[23] Tech-For-Humanity Strategists and Practitioners, C Minds, https://www.cminds.co/about-us (last visited Sept. 7, 2024); What is the Potential for Open Banking in Mexico?, Creative Commons Attributions (Apr. 2018), https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/7be025_3c32545fddcf4436ac2a4f9fd87c9a70.pdf; Enrique Zapata & Constanza Gomez-Mont, Mexico: The Story and Lessons Behind Latin America’s First A.I. Strategy, Corporacion Andina de Fomento (2020), https://scioteca.caf.com/bitstream/handle/123456789/1587/Mexico_the_story_and_lessons_behind_Latin_America’s_first_AI_strategy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
[24] AI for Climate, https://www.forclimate.ai/about-us (last visited Sept. 7, 2024).
[25] Id.
[26] Id.
[27] Tech4Nature Mexico, AI for Climate, https://www.forclimate.ai/tech4nature (last Sept. 7, 2024).
[28] Regina Cervera & Constanza Gomez-Mont, Tech4Nature Mexico: Ethical Use of A.I. Sys. for Biodiversity Protection, AI for Climate, https://www.forclimate.ai/_files/ugd/0fecb2_706bc510a4714c0db030fa3521efb8ce.pdf (last visited Sept. 7, 2024).
[29] Id.
[30] Gomez-Mont, supra note 25.
[31] Gomez-Mont, supra note 25.
[32] Lagos, supra note 4.
[33] Lagos, supra note 4.