$10 Million Investment Boosts Human-Centric AI Development

In a significant move to enhance human-centric artificial intelligence (AI), the MacArthur Foundation has committed $10 million to the Humanity AI initiative. This national program aims to ensure that AI development is shaped by human values and directly benefits society.

$10 Million Investment in Humanity AI Initiative

The Humanity AI initiative is backed by a coalition of funders focused on various sectors such as arts, labor, democracy, education, and security. Over the next five years, this effort is expected to drive more than $500 million in new investments. John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation, emphasized the pivotal moment humanity faces as AI becomes more integrated into society. He stated, “We can design systems with robust ethical frameworks and guardrails.”

Core Focus Areas

Humanity AI’s primary objectives center around the following key areas:

• Democracy: Developing partnerships to ensure AI advancements uphold democratic values and freedoms.
• Education: Focusing on student-centered AI development that expands access to learning.
• Humanities and Culture: Promoting human creativity and safeguarding the work of artists.
• Labor and Economy: Ensuring AI complements rather than replaces human labor, fostering economic growth for all.
• Security: Enforcing high standards for AI deployment to ensure public safety.

Additionally, the initiative aims to influence public discourse on AI, prioritizing human and environmental concerns over mere technological enthusiasm. This approach counters the prevalent narratives driven by Silicon Valley.

Distribution of Initial Grants

The initial phase of funding will support a diverse array of organizations, including research institutes and think tanks, focusing on impactful AI research. The allocations include:

• AI Now Institute: $2 million to enhance its work on national security and AI.
• Brookings Institution: $2 million dedicated to understanding AI’s impact on society.
• Data & Society: $500,000 for initiatives on civic engagement regarding AI.
• Human Rights Data Analysis Group: $500,000 to develop AI infrastructure for civil society.
• London School of Economics: $2 million for a global forum on AI and social sciences.
• New America: $1 million to launch “The Shangri La Series” focusing on shared global AI challenges.
• Pulitzer Center: $1 million to expand its AI Accountability Network for journalists.
• Washington Center for Equitable Growth: $1 million to research AI’s effect on the economy and workforce.

This strategic investment marks a crucial step toward ensuring that AI development aligns with the best interests of society, emphasizing ethical considerations and public benefits.