What does community-controlled AI mean?

Short Answer #

Community-controlled AI means that communities remain involved in decisions about how language data is used to develop, train, deploy, and govern artificial intelligence systems.

Expanded Answer #

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly powerful. As a result, many communities are asking important questions. Questions such as:

• Who decides how language data is used?
• Who benefits from AI systems?
• Who approves training activities?
• Who governs future technology development?

Community-controlled AI begins with the recognition that Indigenous communities should not be passive participants in technology development. Instead, communities should have meaningful roles in:

• Decision-making
• Governance
• Data management
• Consent processes
• Technology priorities

The goal is not simply to build AI systems. The goal is to build AI systems that align with community values. Technology should support revitalization. Technology should support sovereignty. Technology should support future generations. Community-controlled AI helps ensure those objectives remain central.