Democracy and Societal Implications of AI

As artificial intelligence has permeated industries, academia, corporations, technology and more, questions have arisen around its impacts on society and what it means for the future of a democracy.  And how might rapidly advancing AI challenge democratic institutions and as a society how can we guide its development responsibly in the future?

Some of these questions will be tackled by award‑winning journalist and former AI engineer Karen Hao, who will give a talk on the Empire of AI: How to Reclaim Democracy and Build a Fairer Future.

Hosted by the Center for Business Ethics at the Albers School of Business and Economics—with support from the Technology Ethics Initiative and the Law School’s Technology, Innovation Law and Ethics Initiative—the event is 5–6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 5 at SU’s Pigott Auditorium.

Drawing on her in-depth reporting, including work published in The New York Times, Hao will provide insight into the structures driving AI innovation and consider how policy and civic engagement can help build a more equitable technological future.

“This is precisely the conversation we need at this moment,” says Professor Jeffery Smith, Frank Shrontz Chair in Professional Ethics at Albers. “Karen Hao’s work prompts us to reconsider the business cultures that have enabled the rapid expansion of AI. She also poses difficult questions about the power—both political and economic—that AI firms exercise over government, labor and the natural environment. As we educate our students on the future of a world with AI, engaging with these issues at Seattle University is essential.”

The event is free and open to the campus and greater community. Books will be available for purchase on site through Elliott Bay Book Company, followed by a book signing with Hao in Pigott Atrium immediately after the event. Learn more and RSVP to secure your spot.