Abstract:
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and the widespread influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), scientific integrity is paramount. This short talk aims to explore youth-led policy solutions to ensure ethical AI integration in scientific research. Emphasizing the innovative potential of the younger generation, the talk will highlight their role in shaping policies that promote transparency, accountability, and collaboration. By proposing amendments to the Model Policy on Scientific Integrity, we aim to foster an environment where integrity and innovation thrive, ensuring responsible AI usage and benefiting all stakeholders.

Summary of Conversations

The discussion centered on the necessity of incorporating youth perspectives into AI policy development in Canada. It highlighted the current lack of youth representation in national AI advisory bodies, despite the profound impact of AI on young people. A framework was presented advocating for a youth advisory sub-council under the existing Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence, a youth engagement clause in the national AI policy mandate, and local youth consultative councils on AI in each province. The importance of transparency and accountability through a youth engagement matrix in AI advisory councils’ annual reports was emphasized. Generative AI in academics was highlighted as an important topic for youth. There’s a need for support to present the framework to government officials.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

• Youth voices are significantly absent from current AI policy discussions, despite being a key demographic impacted by AI technologies.
• Current AI policy frameworks lack mechanisms for consistent youth engagement, making it vulnerable to political shifts.
• There is a need for intergenerational power, as youths are passionate about the subject but lack decision making capacity.
• Existing AI advisory councils often overlook the unique perspectives and concerns of young people regarding AI’s ethical and practical implications.
• Achieving diverse representation of youth from various communities (urban, rural, Indigenous) in AI policy discussions remains a challenge.
• Transparency and accountability in youth engagement are lacking, hindering the demonstration of the value of young perspectives.
• There is a prevailing negativity surrounding the use of generative AI, overlooking its potential benefits to youth academics.
• A comprehensive framework for meaningfully involving youth in AI policy development is crucial for Canada to maintain its leadership in responsible and inclusive AI.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Establish a youth advisory sub-council within the existing Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence to directly incorporate youth perspectives.
• Add a youth engagement clause to Canada’s national AI policy mandate, ensuring consistent youth participation regardless of political changes.
• Create local youth consultative councils on AI in each province to gather diverse insights from urban, rural, and Indigenous communities.
• Utilize virtual town halls and social media platforms to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of youth participation in AI policy discussions.
• Include a youth engagement matrix in AI advisory councils’ annual reports to track the impact of youth input and ensure accountability.
• Promote the positive aspects of generative AI, encouraging discussions about its potential benefits in youth academics at all levels.
• Engage with government officials and decision-makers to present the youth AI framework and advocate for its implementation.
• Foster intergenerational collaboration, pairing youth with established experts to enhance the decision-making process.