No AI After Auschwitz? Bridging AI and Memory Ethics in the Context of Information Retrieval of Genocide-Related Information

Abstract

The growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of information retrieval (IR) affects different domains, including cultural heritage. By facilitating organisation and retrieval of large volumes of heritage-related content, AI-driven IR systems inform users about a broad range of historical phenomena, including genocides (e.g. the Holocaust). However, it is currently unclear to what degree IR systems are capable of dealing with multiple ethical challenges associated with the curation of genocide-related information. To address this question, this chapter provides an overview of ethical challenges associated with the human curation of genocide-related information using a three-part framework inspired by Belmont criteria (i.e. curation challenges associated with respect for individuals, beneficence and justice/fairness). Then, the chapter discusses to what degree the above-mentioned challenges are applicable to the ways in which AI-driven IR systems deal with genocide-related information and what can be the potential ways of bridging AI and memory ethics in this context.