AI for Social Good

The Monash Data Futures Institute (in partnership with the Faculties of Law, Education and Arts), is proud to present this first major study of Australian’s attitudes to AI.

Artificial Intelligence is now influencing almost all aspects of society: employment; manufacturing; telecommunications; banking and finance; health services and even our national security. The abundance of research into the legal, ethical and societal implications of AI across industry and government reflects its potential for an enduring, transformative impact. However, the views of the public remain underrepresented.

The Monash Data Futures Institute (in partnership with the Faculties of Law, Education and Arts), is proud to present this first major study of Australian’s attitudes to AI. We believe it to be vital to paving the way for more frequent and systematic contributions of public opinion, to the formation of public policy, shaping the future of AI technology in Australia and educating the public about AI’s benefits and risks

The past ten years or so have seen artificial intelligence (AI) technologies become a prominent topic of discussion across Australian society. Yet, the ongoing implementation of these technologies remains a highly contested topic. This Monash ‘Data Futures Institute’ report presents one of the first comprehensive pictures of Australian public understandings, attitudes and opinions relating to AI and society.

Based on a nationally-representative public opinion survey of over 2000 Australian adults, the report examines key areas of public understanding, optimism and concern regarding the societal application of AI technologies. As industry and policy-makers continue to develop, implement and manage AI across most areas of Australian society, this report explores the often-overlooked views of the general public – in many ways, the ultimate ‘end users’ of these powerful technologies.

Authored by
Professor Neil Selwyn, Faculty of Education
Ms Beatriz Gallo Cordoba, Faculty of Education
Professor Mark Andrejevic, Faculty of Arts
Professor Liz Campbell, Faculty of Law

Download the white paper report (pdf)