Major Philanthropic Effort Aims to Ensure AI Benefits Humanity
A coalition of 10 prominent foundations has launched a groundbreaking initiative, Humanity AI, with a shared goal of ensuring that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed and used in ways that benefit society as a whole. The effort, which will see the foundations commit at least $500 million over the next five years, aims to counterbalance the influence of Silicon Valley and promote a more human-centered approach to AI development.
At the helm of Humanity AI are the Omidyar Network, a philanthropic venture established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, and the MacArthur Foundation, a 55-year-old organization that has awarded over $8.27 billion to date. “The message I want to resonate far and wide is this: AI is not destiny, it is design,” said Michele Jawando, president of the Omidyar Network. “The decisions we make now about who builds AI, who benefits from it, and whose values shape it will determine whether it amplifies human needs or erodes them.”
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Addressing the Need for Responsible AI Development
Humanity AI’s founding members include a diverse range of organizations, such as the Mellon Foundation, Kapor Foundation, Lumina Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, Ford Foundation, Siegel Family Endowment, and David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Each member has committed to making grants in at least one of the initiative’s five priority areas: equipping workers for an AI-driven economy, protecting artists from theft, addressing security risks, promoting democracy, and supporting thoughtful integration of AI in education.
A pooled fund of grants will be managed by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, with distributions expected to begin early next year. This effort is not the first time major US foundations have joined forces to address AI-related concerns. In 2023, several of Humanity AI’s current members launched a $200 million initiative to fund AI projects that promote the public interest and responsible use.
More recently, a separate philanthropic coalition led by billionaires Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and Charles Koch announced NextLadder Ventures, a $1 billion initiative to use emerging technologies to expand economic opportunity. While these efforts demonstrate a growing recognition of the need for responsible AI development, Humanity AI’s focus on promoting a human-centered approach sets it apart.
Ensuring AI Benefits Humanity
“The stakes are too high to defer decisions to a handful of companies and leaders within them,” said John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation. “Humanity AI seeks to shift that dynamic by resourcing technologists, researchers, and advocates who are united by a shared vision of ensuring AI is a force for good, putting people and the planet first.” As the initiative moves forward, it hopes to grow its coalition and promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to AI development.
Image Source: observer.com
