Solidarity in AI ethics and law is an ethical commitment to ensuring that AI technologies protect vulnerable populations and the environment from harm. Rooted in human rights and environmental stewardship, solidarity emphasizes that AI systems should not only avoid harm but actively promote the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations while contributing to ecological sustainability.
At its core, solidarity embodies a commitment to unity, connection, and interdependence, recognizing the shared humanity of all individuals and the planet’s interconnected ecosystems. Across the AI lifecycle—spanning development, deployment, and monitoring—the principle of solidarity calls for deliberate efforts to design AI technologies that advance social justice, promote inclusion, and address systemic inequities. Solidarity also extends to environmental stewardship, requiring AI systems to support ecological preservation and sustainability through energy-efficient designs and applications that address climate challenges.
Operationalizing solidarity involves embedding fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability into AI governance frameworks and fostering global cooperation to address shared challenges. This includes policies and practices that prioritize the protection and empowerment of the most vulnerable, as well as standards that ensure AI technologies contribute positively to collective well-being. For example, AI can be used to improve disaster response for marginalized communities or optimize resource allocation to support environmental goals.
By emphasizing the interconnectedness of people and the planet, solidarity provides a guiding principle for the ethical development and deployment of AI systems. It inspires a vision of technology that reflects shared values, fosters collective well-being, and contributes to a more equitable and sustainable world.
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