IGF 2025

The session will present measures that can be taken to operationalise safeguards and remedies against discrimination in use of AI systems, engage with groups most at risk and equip human rights supervisory bodies.

The Study on the impact of artificial intelligence systems, their potential for promoting equality – including gender equality - and the risks they may cause in relation to non-discrimination adopted by the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) and the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion of the Council of Europe (CDADI) in 2023, and numerous other studies have highlighted the risks that AI systems pose to equality, including gender equality, and non-discrimination, online and offline, in a variety of sectors. These range from employment, through the online targeted distribution of job adverts, to the provision of goods or services in both the public and private sectors such as online loan applications, or to public security policies or the fight against fraud. For example, the report Bias in Algorithms from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows how easily speech detection algorithms can be biased against certain groups.

The groups that are most affected by bias in AI systems are very often the same groups and individuals as those at risk of discrimination in society. These groups, as well as women,  also experience structural inequality, and struggle to meaningfully participate in forums that develop, deploy and regulate new digital technologies and promote inclusion in AI. 

The CoE and EU are jointly building the capacity of equality bodies and representatives of groups most affected by discrimination, including by biases in AI systems. The EU and CoE want to provide a platform at IGF to share ideas on how to ensure sufficient safeguards against discrimination and access to effective remedies

Speakers:
Ivana Bartoletti, Vice President, Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro 
David Reichel, Head of Data and Digital Sector, EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
Mr. Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe