How does AI violate Indigenous sovereignty when consent and data control are ignored?

By: Marvin Nguyen 

After I took time to read and learn about the “AI & Indigenous Peoples” source through the Earth Daughters website, I could understand that artificial intelligence is clearly continuing to develop rapidly in today's world. Honestly, I’d like to say that AI is totally not simply a basic technical tool. But actually it feels concerning that if artificial intelligence develops without the consent of Indigenous communities, so this also leads to intangible consequences regarding respect for rights or sovereignty and the fundamental core values of indigenous communities. 

In the next argument, I want to talk about the risks of AI to Indigenous people, specifically when data is collected and used without proper consent. Examples include the widespread exploitation of Indigenous knowledge and cultural and environmental information from Indigenous lands as readily available data through AI. Aware of this, Indigenous peoples clearly lose fundamental control over the sharing and interpretation of their own knowledge. I think the advancement and development of artificial intelligence contributes to the marginalization of Indigenous voices and perhaps the root cause is not the artificial intelligence itself, but rather the way it is developed within the framework of human technology. Seriously, I also would like to address more about 


The complicated issues of sovereignty and the rights of Indigenous peoples here. So yes, we are all know that sovereignty is not simply about inanimate land, but it also symbolizes the rights of a people and how they exercise those rights on that land. Therefore, the fact that artificial intelligence exploits data from these lands, which it considers inanimate and without the voluntary consent of the Indigenous people, I would say that it was deeply concerning. These knowledge models are then manipulated and disseminated indiscriminately, a situation that communities have faced for generations. Where are their rights in all of this? It is seriously worrying when the rights of a knowledge based civilization are disregarded. Indigenous communities are clearly not simply a readily available source of data. And definitely, they have the right to decide whether their knowledge base should be used in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence technology. 

In my viewpoint from the Earth Daughters sources, which I focused on in this discussion, emphasizes that artificial intelligence still has other avenues to develop in a more appropriate direction. So I notice that by incorporating the expertise of indigenous people in data collection, such as strengthening collaborative approaches to obtain specific guidance on core values or leadership from indigenous communities, AI can develop beneficial applications such as preserving cultural knowledge, protecting the environment and rights, also about enhancing community resilience by leveraging positive capabilities. Then I want to emphasize that indigenous people should be supported and empowered to be more proactive in protecting their rights, understanding who is leading the development of technology and recognizing that artificial intelligence exists to be embraced, actively manage and utilized by them. It is clear that 


Artificial intelligence can follow a more appropriate path to harmonize its development and collaborate with the fundamental rights of indigenous people, which is totally the right approach. 
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To conclude this reflective essay of mine, I realize that artificial intelligence requires high ethical standards to be honest. Also, I think that addressing and respecting the legitimate rights of indigenous people is crucial. And I am concerned that if AI continues to develop without meaningful consent, then it will create further obscure Indigenous rights. Future artificial intelligence must be shaped in accordance with the core values of indigenous people, from that must completely abandon harmful and imposing practices.