Artificial intelligence experts urge countries toward human-centered systems

Artificial intelligence experts are calling on countries to increase cooperation to ensure that AI is developed in ways that are human-centered. Speaking at the German Innovation Days event, experts from Korea and Germany say AI should be able to uphold human dignity and the rule of law.

The event was hosted by the German Embassy in Seoul. German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt and AI ethics expert Kingra Schumacher both spoke on artificial intelligence. They emphasized that innovation must remain rooted in democratic accountability and shared values.

According to Schmidt, Germany and Korea profited from the events that happened in world trade. He was referencing the disruptions brought by Russia’s war with Ukraine and the rise in the US-China technology war.

AI expert pushes for human-centered artificial intelligence

The theme of the event was centered on how technologically advanced nations can push for human-centered artificial intelligence while preserving the principles that define open societies. According to the ambassador, Korea and Germany have a duty to protect the interests of their citizens. He also noted that in terms of AI, both countries need to make it human-centered. Schmidt highlighted the differences in the approach of both nations concerning artificial intelligence.

While Korea appears to focus on the opportunities and economic potential of AI, Germany emphasizes the risks it poses to society. These include misinformation, deepfakes, and impacts on child development. Schumacher, popular for her exploits in inclusive AI, added that Germany’s approach could offer one of the best reference points for the fast-paced artificial intelligence sector in Korea.

Schumacher highlighted that Korea makes it easy to experience fast growth in AI, highlighting that the country might need to look into how Germany carries out its user-centered, participative design.

Schumacher also detailed the importance of involving stakeholders from the earliest design stages, a process that she says may initially reduce the pace of development, but notes that she expects it to improve trust, usability, and social impact in the future.

AI experts push for global collaboration

According to Schumacher, even though Germany and Korea approach artificial intelligence in different ways, it should not stop them from working together. Schumacher highlighted that both nations could complement each other’s strengths, a move that would power cooperation in the future. She noted that while Korea might have more data than Germany, the European country boasts slight experience with AI applications. “Putting those two together, everybody could benefit,” she said.

Schmidt also echoed this point, noting Korea’s openness to experimentation and rapid adoption of emerging technologies. He noted that there should be openness to new things, highlighting that they could add a bit of the approach from Korea and that of Germany to bring out the best from the technology.

Germany is trying to base its artificial intelligence on industrial applications such as robotics, smart manufacturing, and engineering.

On the other hand, Korea is using its strong digital infrastructure and vast data pools to drive consumer-based innovation.

Meanwhile, the pair also agreed that widespread AI literacy also has to become a thing, as it would be important to help people better understand, evaluate, and safely interact with artificial intelligence systems. “We should learn in schools that this is what AI can do, this is what it cannot do,” said Schmidt, warning against overreliance on these systems.

Schumacher also added that it is important to be able to interpret the results of the system and know how to incorporate them into our daily lives. “Basically, understanding means you can prepare yourself; you can prepare society.”

Their comments are in line with global initiatives like the OECD AI Principles, which have the support of more than 40 countries. The principles emphasize fairness, transparency, and human oversight in the development and use of artificial intelligence systems.

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