Is an Anti-Fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence Possible?
Mar 23, 2025
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Dan McQuillan, a senior lecturer in creative and social computing and author of "Resisting AI: An Anti-fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence," discusses the intersection of AI and authoritarianism. He advocates for transformative AI that counters corporate and state power. The conversation explores the societal implications of generative AI, critiques the notion of AI as a solution to complex issues, and emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach to technology that prioritizes community welfare over corporate interests.
AI poses significant risks to democracy by enabling authoritarian regimes to strengthen control and repress populations.
Dr. Dan McQuillan advocates for developing AI through a liberatory framework that prioritizes human rights and social equity.
The rise of fascistic ideologies correlates with AI technology's development, necessitating critical examination of its societal impacts and power dynamics.
Deep dives
The Threat of AI to Democracy
Artificial intelligence poses a significant risk to democratic governance, as it can be utilized to strengthen authoritarian regimes. Researchers, including Stephen Feldstein, have noted how AI enables oppressive governments to exert control over citizens, thereby threatening democracy globally. Evidence of this troubling trend can be seen in the rising authoritarianism in various countries, where AI assists in the repression and surveillance of populations. The use of centralized technologies underlines a concerning relationship between AI and the state, which can lead to diminished freedoms for individuals.
Resistance and Reimagining AI
The book, 'Resisting AI', advocates for reimagining artificial intelligence through a liberatory lens rather than a repressive one. Dr. Dan McQuillan emphasizes the necessity to resist and critique AI's growing presence in society, warning against blind acceptance of its purported benefits. His insights stem from years of working at the intersection of technology and social issues, revealing how AI can often exacerbate existing inequalities. The call for resistance encourages a critical examination of AI's role in society and the development of alternatives that prioritize human rights and social equity.
The Misconceptions Surrounding AI's Capabilities
Despite the hype surrounding generative AI models like ChatGPT, there remains a belief that AI can provide quick solutions to complex societal problems. McQuillan challenges this notion, arguing that AI's effectiveness is overstated and it can often lead to 'solutionism' that overlooks deeper structural issues. This misconception can create a dangerous reliance on AI technologies without adequately addressing the negative consequences that might arise. It is crucial for society to question the assumptions about AI's capabilities to ensure a more rational approach to its application.
AI, Fascism, and Political Dynamics
There exists a concerning correlation between the development of AI technologies and the resurgence of fascistic ideologies in contemporary politics. McQuillan draws parallels between the current socio-political climate and the historical roots of fascism, suggesting that AI intensifies existing injustices while serving as a diversion from addressing the systemic issues that fuel far-right sentiments. This dynamic is exemplified by the relationship between certain tech companies and political movements, where AI is utilized to maintain power rather than promote social good. Understanding these connections is essential for countering the threats posed by AI-driven authoritarianism.
Rethinking Technology with Post-Machine Learning
The concept of post-machine learning advocates for alternative approaches to technology that prioritize human-centric values over purely quantitative analyses. McQuillan emphasizes the need for frameworks that promote collective well-being and address the complexities of societal challenges beyond the limitations of AI. This perspective aligns with feminist and post-colonial critiques of science that advocate for relational understandings of technology and its impacts. By reorienting the conversation around technology toward inclusivity and shared understanding, it is possible to envision pathways that foster community empowerment rather than dependence on AI.
What is necessary to develop a future that is less hospitable to authoritarianism and, indeed, to fascism? How do we build collective power against authoritarian forms of corporate and state power? Is an alternative form of computing possible? Dan McQuillan is the author of Resisting AI: An Anti-fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence, published in 2022 by Bristol University Press.
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