AI security risks are also cultural and developmental
This research highlights that AI security risks are deeply rooted in cultural biases and developmental disparities, affecting how AI systems behave, fail, and expose vulnerabilities. The study, conducted by an international group of scholars, reveals that AI systems encode cultural and developmental assumptions, leading to inaccuracies and safety issues, particularly in under-resourced regions. These biases not only degrade system performance but also widen the attack surface for adversaries. The research emphasizes that cultural misrepresentation by AI systems can lead to disengagement, disinformation, and identity-based targeting, posing significant security challenges. Furthermore, uneven development exacerbates AI risks, as systems designed for specific conditions fail when deployed elsewhere, exposing organizations to cascading risks. The study calls for a reevaluation of AI governance frameworks to address these overlooked cultural and developmental risks.
Researchers have found that AI systems embed cultural and developmental assumptions at every stage of their lifecycle. Training data reflects dominant languages, economic conditions, social norms, and historical records. Design choices encode expectations about infrastructure, behavior, and values.