Join us for a policy-scoping workshop focused on the future of conversational AI!

In collaboration with the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, Cambridge, Dr Tomasz Hollanek and Dr Aisha Sobey are organizing a one-day technology policy workshop, Social AI: Policy Futures. The event will take place on August 27th and aims to explore the complexities of Social AI and craft a policy roadmap to navigate its ethical implications and societal impact.

Date: August 27th 

Time: 10am – 5pm (lunch provided at Jesus College)

Location: Jesus College, Cambridge

Social AI, or the kind of conversational AI designed to meet users’ social needs, is increasingly viewed as a potential solution to complex societal issues such as loneliness and social isolation. However, this (problematic) belief in AI as a panacea to these challenges raises numerous ethical questions. The workshop will feature expert presentations exploring the potential risks and benefits of Social AI, followed by a collaborative policy ‘backcasting’ session involving academics, policy-makers, technologists, civil society organisations, and Cambridge students, during which we will explore negative scenarios for the future of Social AI in areas such as Eldercare, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, and Grief and Thanatology. Subsequently, we will collaboratively envision positive future scenarios and work backwards to develop a comprehensive policy roadmap. Following the event, we plan to produce a report containing recommendations based on the roadmaps created, with all participants as co-authors.

Places are limited, so to express interest in attending please email th536@cam.ac.uk by 26 June with a (max) 150-word rationale for your interest and a (max) 100-word bio (please use ‘Social AI Policy’ in the subject line). We will confirm places on 28 June.