Machine Bias: Artificial Intelligence and Discrimination

Abstract: The past decade has seen the rapid development of artificial intelligence. It has resulted in extensive usage and reliance within many diverse fields that influences our daily lives as well as human rights, and especially the prohibition of discrimination. The thesis examines artificial intelligence discrimination and asks why and how it occurs, who is (more likely to be) affected by it, and how policymakers should respond to protect human rights. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence discriminates in various ways, and the most vulnerable and discriminated groups are more likely to be victims of it. Many problems in the field stem from lack of regulation and over-reliance on artificial intelligence. This thesis makes a preliminary recommendation and invites policymakers to cautiously regulate artificial intelligence to prevent artificial intelligence discrimination.