Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence

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"Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence" is a book written by Kate Crawford, published in 2021. In this book, Crawford explores the broader societal, environmental, and geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, focusing on the power dynamics, political agendas, and environmental costs associated with AI development and deployment. Key features and topics covered in "Atlas of AI" include: 1. Power Dynamics: Crawford examines the concentration of power in the hands of large tech companies and governments that dominate the AI landscape. She discusses how AI technologies can reinforce existing power structures, exacerbate inequalities, and shape political agendas. 2. Political Implications: The book explores the political dimensions of AI, including surveillance, censorship, propaganda, and the use of AI for social control and authoritarian governance. Crawford discusses how AI technologies can be weaponized by governments and other actors to manipulate information and suppress dissent. 3. Environmental Costs: Crawford examines the environmental impact of AI technologies, including the energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource extraction associated with training and running large-scale AI models. She discusses the planetary costs of AI and the need for sustainable approaches to AI development and deployment. 4. Labor and Employment: "Atlas of AI" addresses the impact of AI on labor markets, employment, and job displacement. Crawford discusses how automation and AI-driven technologies are reshaping the nature of work, creating new opportunities while also posing challenges for workers and communities. 5. Surveillance and Privacy: Crawford explores the implications of AI-powered surveillance technologies for privacy, civil liberties, and human rights. She discusses the expansion of surveillance systems, facial recognition technology, and predictive policing algorithms, raising concerns about mass surveillance and erosion of privacy rights. 6. Ethical and Social Justice Considerations: The book emphasizes the importance of ethical and social justice considerations in AI development and deployment. Crawford advocates for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI systems, as well as for addressing biases and discrimination in algorithmic decision-making. 7. Global Perspectives: "Atlas of AI" offers a global perspective on AI, examining how AI technologies are shaping societies and economies around the world. Crawford discusses the role of AI in both advanced industrialized countries and developing regions, highlighting the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different communities. Overall, "Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence" provides a critical examination of the societal, environmental, and geopolitical dimensions of AI technologies. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between technology, power, and society, and calls for greater attention to the ethical, political, and environmental implications of AI development and deployment.