Foundations want to curb AI developers’ influence with $500 million aimed at centering human needs
Ten philanthropic foundations are committing $500 million across the next five years to place human interests at the forefront of artificial intelligence’s rapid integration into daily life. The coalition, which launched Tuesday, calls themselves Humanity AI. Its ranks include the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Mellon Foundation, and Omidyar Network. Together they pledge to support AI developments that advance democracy, strengthen education, protect artists, enhance work and defend personal security. Citing fears such as AI-driven fake news and job replacement, the goal is to return agency to everyday people. MacArthur Foundation President John Palfrey says the “stakes are too high to defer decisions to a handful of companies and leaders within them.”