Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) models and algorithms in delivering essential citizen services has underscored the pressing need for participatory auditing frameworks. These frameworks empower citizens, enhance transparency, and mitigate the risks of bias inherent in AI systems, strengthening responsible and inclusive AI practices.

AI models, developed through public policy initiatives and private innovation, significantly influence the distribution of benefits, penalties, and opportunities. However, these models may inadvertently perpetuate biases from flawed training data, technical limitations, or societal prejudices. High-risk Algorithmic Decision-making Systems (ADS), in particular, can produce outcomes that unfairly disadvantage individuals or groups, undermining fundamental rights to equality, privacy, and non-discrimination.

CivicDataLab has taken a pioneering step in addressing these challenges by developing ParakhAI, an open-source framework for the participatory auditing of high-risk ADS. Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Digital India Programme under the India AI Mission, ParakhAI aims to promote fairness, transparency, and ethical AI practices.

Shri. Abhishek Singh IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and CEO of the India AI Mission will be a keynote speaker at this event.

The Role of ParakhAI

ParakhAI is designed to actively involve citizens and stakeholders in the lifecycle of algorithmic systems, ensuring that decisions made by these systems are fair, efficient, and accountable. Key objectives include:

• Citizen Empowerment: Providing tools and training to citizen groups to identify and report biases and risks in ADS.
• Transparency: Encouraging the responsible development and deployment of algorithmic systems by public and private entities.
• Accountability: Ensuring that decisions affecting individual rights are made transparently and equitably.

By fostering collaboration, ParakhAI seeks to enhance public trust in AI systems and create a framework where inclusivity and fairness are the cornerstones of algorithmic decision-making.

Stakeholder Consultation Invitation

To further this mission, CivicDataLab invites stakeholders to an inaugural consultation on "Enabling Participatory Algorithmic Auditing." This event will serve as a platform for discourse on promoting ethical and inclusive AI practices.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, 20th January 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Kamladevi Complex, India International Centre (IIC), Lodi Road, New Delhi

The consultation will convene domain experts, policymakers, practitioners, and organizations committed to leveraging AI for the public good. CivicDataLab will also provide an exclusive introduction to ParakhAI, offering insights into its application and impact on the future of ethical AI.

Join us in shaping a future where AI systems are designed with fairness, transparency, and accountability at their core.

For registration and further details, Click here.