IB Digital Society Topic 2.1 Change Questionbank…

Sentencing criminals using artificial intelligence (AI)

In 10 states in the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) software is used for sentencing criminals. Once criminals are found guilty, judges need to determine the lengths of their prison sentences. One factor used by judges is the likelihood of the criminal re-offending*.

The AI software uses machine learning to determine how likely it is that a criminal will re-offend. This result is presented as a percentage; for example, the criminal has a 90 % chance of re-offending. Research has indicated that AI software is often, but not always, more reliable than human judges in predicting who is likely to re-offend.

There is general support for identifying people who are unlikely to re-offend, as they do not need to be sent to prisons that are already overcrowded.

Recently, Eric Loomis was sentenced by the state of Wisconsin using proprietary AI software. Eric had to answer over 100 questions to provide the AI software with enough information for it to decide the length of his sentence. When Eric was given a six-year sentence, he appealed and wanted to see the algorithms that led to this sentence. Eric lost the appeal.

On the other hand, the European Union (EU) has passed a law that allows citizens to challenge decisions made by algorithms in the criminal justice system.

* re-offending: committing another crime in the future

two characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

one problem that may arise if proprietary software rather than open-source software is used to develop algorithms.

The developers of the AI software decided to use supervised machine learning to develop the algorithms in the sentencing software.

two advantages of using supervised learning.

Cameras in school

The principal at Flynn School has received requests from parents saying that they would like to monitor their children’s performance in school more closely. He is considering extending the school’s IT system by installing cameras linked to facial recognition software that can record student behaviour in lessons.

The facial recognition software can a student’s attention level and behaviour, such as identifying if they are listening, answering questions, talking with other students, or sleeping. The software uses machine learning to each student’s behaviour and gives them a weekly score that is automatically emailed to their parents.

The principal claims that monitoring students’ behaviour more closely will improve the teaching and learning that takes place.

whether Flynn School should introduce a facial recognition system that uses machine learning to each student’s behaviour and give them a score that is automatically emailed to their parents.

The Influence of Moore’s Law on Technological Development

Moore’s Law has driven rapid advancements in technology by predicting that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years. This trend has influenced the affordability, size, and power of devices like smartphones and laptops, though some predict Moore’s Law may be slowing down.

the significance of Moore’s Law in shaping the development of personal computing devices, including potential consequences if the law’s trend no longer holds true.

In criminal justice, "black box" algorithms are increasingly used to make decisions about bail, parole, and sentencing. However, the lack of transparency and potential for bias raise serious ethical concerns about fairness and accountability.

the challenges of implementing algorithmic transparency and accountability in criminal justice, particularly with “black box” algorithms.

Can digital technologies be used sustainably?

Many organizations claim that the most efficient use of information technology (IT) equipment, such as laptops and printers, is to replace them on a regular basis. For example, an organization’s strategy may be to do this every three years.

Other organizations purchase IT equipment that can easily be upgraded by increasing the storage and memory or upgrading the processing capabilities only when required. They claim they do not need to replace their IT equipment on such a regular basis and believe this is a more sustainable practice.

the sustainability of these two strategies.

two problems the developers of the AI system could encounter when gathering the data that will be input into the AI system.

should the decisions of judges be based on algorithms rather than their knowledge and experience?

IB Digital Society 2.1 Change Questionbank

IB Digital Society 2.1 Change Questionbank

The Influence of Moore’s Law on Technological Development

IB Digital Society 2.1 Change Questionbank

IB Digital Society 2.1 Change Questionbank

The Influence of Moore’s Law on Technological Development

IB Digital Society (DS) Topic 2.1 Change Questionbank