Peter Campbell is the principal consultant at Techcafeteria, a micro-consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits make more affordable and effective use of technology to support their missions. He recently published a free download powerpoint on Managing AI Risk and had time to talk with Carolyn about his thoughts on developing AI policies with an eye to risk, where the greatest risks lie for nonprofits using AI, and how often to review your policies as the technology changes rapidly.
The takeaways:
- AI tools are like GPS (which is itself an AI). You are the expert; they are not able to critically analyze their own output even though they can mimic authority.
- Using AI tools for subjects where you have subject expertise allows you to correct the output. Using AI tools for subjects where you have no knowledge adds risk.
- Common AI tasks at nonprofits move from low-level risks such as searching your own inbox for an important email to higher-risk activities more prone to consequential errors, such as automation and analysis.
- Common AI risks include inaccuracy, lack of authenticity, reputational damage, and copyright and privacy violations.
- AI also has risk factors associated with audience: your personal use probably has pretty low risk that you will be fooled or divulge sensitive information to yourself, but when you use AI to communicate with the public, the risk increases for your nonprofit.
How to Manage AI Risks at Nonprofits?
- Start with an AI Policy. Review it often as the technology and tools are changing rapidly.
- Use your own judgement. A good rule of thumb is to use AI tools to create things that you are already knowledgeable about, so that you can easily assess the accuracy of the AI output.
- Transparency matters. Let people know AI was used and how it was used. Use an “Assisted by AI” disclaimer when appropriate.
- Require a human third party review before sharing AI created materials with the public. State this in your transparency policy/disclaimers. Be honest about the roles of AI and humans in your nonprofit work.
- Curate data sources, and always know what your AI is using to create materials or analysis. Guard against bias and harm to communities you care about.
“I’ve been helping clients develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies lately. AI has lots of innovative uses and every last one of them has some risk associated with it, so I regularly urge my clients to get the policies and training in place before they let staff loose with the tools. Here is a generic version of a powerpoint explaining AI risks and policies for nonprofits. “
Peter Campbell, Techcafeteria
_______________________________
Start a conversation :)
- Register to attend a webinar in real time, and find all past transcripts at https://communityit.com/webinars/
- email Carolyn at cwoodard@communityit.com
- on LinkedIn
Thanks for listening.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.