Issues

AI & Human Rights

Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems are being deployed in opaque and unaccountable ways that can harm individuals and exacerbate biases. EPIC advocates for transparent, equitable, and commonsense AI policy and regulations.

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are used across private sectors and government entities. How to define AI given the huge variance in the degree of technological sophistication in the systems is a challenge, but there is no doubt that AI use and development is expanding rapidly.

The use of AI is poorly regulated in the United States, and the inner workings of the systems are often opaque. In many cases, members of the public are not even aware that AI systems are being used to make decisions that impact their lives.

It is essential to establish regulations that recognize the harms posed by AI systems and require transparency, oversight, and accountability for both commercial and government uses of AI. Further, regulations must create opportunities for individuals to enforce protective rules with private rights of action.

Areas of Focus Within AI & Human Rights

Get more detail on issues related to AI & Human Rights

  • AI in Law Enforcement

    AI is used widely and opaquely by federal, state, and local law enforcement, both directly in the criminal legal system and in ways that feed the criminal justice cycle in the U.S.

  • AI Policy

    Substantial protective AI regulation is still sorely lacking in the U.S., but there has been movement in state legislatures and internationally, as well as policies and frameworks embraced by the federal government.

  • Chatbots

    Chatbots are products, not people. They are created and released by companies that must be held accountable when their products harm people, just like a charger that starts a fire or faulty airbags that fail to deploy in a car crash.

  • Commercial AI Use

    AI and ADS are used widely in commerce – in health care, education, hiring, housing, and more.

  • Government AI Use

    Governments at every level have adopted the use of AI and ADS to assist in law enforcement, benefit distribution, education, and more.

  • Risk Assessments

    Risk assessments are a key accountability mechanism that helps ensure that entities process personal data or use automated decision-making tools safely, responsibly, and in ways that minimize the risk of harm to individuals.

  • Screening & Scoring

    Governments and companies are increasingly using opaque, unaccountable, and discriminatory screening and scoring tools to make life-altering decisions.

Top Updates

EPIC Joins Bipartisan Coalition Calling on State AGs to Hold Apple, Google Accountable for Platforming ‘Nudify’ Apps

May 19, 2026

EPIC Testifies in Support of Bill to Protect New Jersey Consumers From Surveillance Pricing

May 15, 2026

Colorado Legislature Again Amends Landmark AI Law  

May 14, 2026

All Updates

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