"AI" is Not One Thing

“AI” describes very different systems performing very different tasks. Before we can evaluate an AI system, we need to ask what data it uses, what task it performs, what it produces, and what claim is being made from that output.

AI is becoming an increasingly common shorthand in conversations about policing, surveillance, and the criminal legal system. But shorthand can obscure more than it clarifies.

Let's take some time to break “AI” apart.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Because before we can meaningfully evaluate an AI system, we need to ask more precise questions: What data does it use? What task does it perform? What does it produce? And what claim is being made from that output?

“AI” isn't the answer. It's the beginning of the inquiry.