Maragaret (Yun-Pu) Tu, a non-resident fellow at DSET, recently published an article with Global Taiwan Institute, advocating for proactive measures to protect Taiwan Indigenous communities from harmful AI-generated images and disinformation.
Citing three separate cases of disinformation that inaccurately depicted the history, culture, and current events of different Indigenous groups, Tu expresses concern regarding AI disinformation and its threat on erasing authentic representation.
“Disinformation such as this that targets concepts such as national identity or ethnic identity is particularly concerning,” Tu states in her article. Already, as the result of a history of colonization and government policies, Taiwan Indigenous communities have experienced disruptions that have put many of their cultural identities at risk of fading away. Tu illustrates how AI disinformation further exacerbates these processes through inauthentic depictions of Indigenous identities.
Tu urges policymakers to turn to international practices regarding AI as inspiration for how to shape their own domestic policies. Specifically, she mentions Canada’s Al policy that includes courses on Indigenous Perspectives in AI as an employable example to draw from, recommending increased attention to be given towards creating an “inclusive and equitable future for marginalized communities.”
Additionally, Tu not only argues for protections in AI policies, but also highlights the opportunity for emerging technologies to be leveraged at the benefit of such communities. Through improvements in development, participation, and education, communities may find ways to uplift themselves in inclusive environments. In an age of increasing global connectivity via social media and other online spaces, comprehensive policy that takes into account the diversity of cultural differences within Taiwan Indigenous communities is crucial.
Policy reform addressing these concerns is not solely at the benefit for Indigenous communities. These protections also safeguard against attacks on Taiwan’s national and ethnic identity. “Without such measures,” Tu writes, “the nation could become vulnerable to external forces steering public opinion in harmful directions.”