# Global AI Ethics: A Review of the Social Impacts and Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence

**Authors:** Alexa Hagerty, Igor Rubinov  
**arXiv:** [1907.07892](https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.07892)  
**Date:** 2019-07-18  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/1907.07892v1/

## Key points

- Current analyses of AI are predominantly focused on perspectives held in the U.S., resulting in a lack of research and understanding outside of this region, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Social impacts of AI vary significantly depending on geographical setting and are influenced by local cultural and social contexts.
- Recent research shows that AI-driven technologies tend to exacerbate social inequality, particularly among historically marginalized groups, not only in the U.S. but globally.
- Rigorous ethnographic research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the social impacts of AI worldwide.
- Global, on-the-ground research is necessary to identify AI systems that may amplify social inequality and mitigate potential harms.
- Responsible development, implementation, monitoring, and regulation of AI technologies require expanded research efforts beyond Western Europe and the U.S., as well as increased awareness regarding how AI can impact different societies around the world.

## Summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of the social impacts and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale. The authors highlight that current analyses of AI are predominantly focused on perspectives held in the U.S., resulting in a lack of research and understanding outside of this region, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this gap, the authors conducted an extensive literature review, reviewing over 800 academic journal articles and monographs in multiple languages. The findings from the literature review suggest that the social impacts of AI vary significantly depending on geographical setting. Moreover, perceptions and understandings of AI are heavily influenced by local cultural and social contexts. Recent research conducted in U.S. settings demonstrates a concerning pattern where AI-driven technologies tend to exacerbate social inequality, particularly among historically marginalized groups. Importantly, the literature review indicates that this pattern is not limited to the U.S., but exists on a global scale. The authors call for rigorous ethnographic research to gain a deeper understanding of the social impacts of AI worldwide. They emphasize the need for global, on-the-ground research to identify AI systems that may amplify social inequality in order to mitigate potential harms. Such research is crucial for informing responsible development, implementation, and monitoring of beneficial AI technologies as well as meaningful regulation of these technologies. In conclusion, this article highlights the urgent need for expanded research efforts beyond Western Europe and the U.S., as well as increased awareness regarding how AI can impact different societies around the world. By gaining a deeper understanding of these social impacts within diverse contexts, stakeholders can work towards developing ethical frameworks and regulations that ensure responsible deployment and equitable benefits from AI technologies globally.