As our platform has been deeply embedded into impact management ethos, we recognize the need for clear definitions and actionable frameworks around what humane infrastructure or humane technology is for building trust and protecting rights in this era. According to the World Economic Forum, humane infrastructure is about
“designing and deploying technology that fosters multi-stakeholder engagement, respects human rights, and enhances societal well-being”
(source)
Today, it’s crucial to address this concept to tackle the world’s most pressing problems in health, climate, poverty, gender equality, and other areas of sustainable development by 2030. Here, we explore the essential components of humane infrastructure and their roles in applying Explainable AI (XAI) to achieve interpretable explainability of verified impact and initiatives while ensuring human rights are protected at every touchpoint.
Identity: Empowering Control and Clarity
A fundamental aspect of humane infrastructure is empowering individuals with control over their digital identities. Decentralized identities (DIDs) and verifiable credentials (VCs) allow individuals to manage and control their personal information securely. By leveraging DIDs and VCs across trusted registries (Trust Over IP), organizations and digital platforms can ensure that identity verification processes are transparent, verifiable, and secure, fostering trust and clarity. This approach upholds the right to privacy and self-determination, ensuring human rights are respected in the physical and digital world.
For more on the importance of digital identities, visit the World Bank’s Identification for Development (ID4D) Initiative.
Data: Verifiable and Transparent
Data integrity is paramount for humane infrastructure. Verifiable and transparent data ensures that the information used by AI systems is accurate and trustworthy. This transparency is critical for fostering trust in AI-driven decisions and initiatives. By ensuring that data flows freely and responsibly, we protect individuals’ rights to accurate and fair data representation. Learn more about the importance of responsible data flow from the World Economic Forum’s article on data interoperability.
Storage: Decentralized and Secure
Decentralized storage solutions are vital for creating a resilient and humane infrastructure. These solutions ensure that data is securely stored and accessible without relying on a single point of failure, enhancing both security and reliability. Decentralized storage aligns with best practices in data management, ensuring data integrity and availability. This approach protects individuals’ rights to data security and access. Explore more about secure and decentralized storage from the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications (INATBA).
Security: Built-In and Robust
Robust security is the backbone of humane infrastructure. Ensuring the protection of data and secure communications is critical for building a trustworthy digital environment. Security measures must be integrated at every level to safeguard personal and sensitive information. By embedding comprehensive security practices, we uphold individuals’ rights to data protection and secure digital interactions. For comprehensive guidelines on cybersecurity, refer to the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity.
Training and Education: Building Digital Literacy
Education and training are foundational to humane infrastructure. Promoting digital literacy and providing necessary training to understand and interact with technology is essential for achieving digital equity. Educating users about their digital rights, managing digital identities, and interpreting AI-driven decisions empowers them to participate fully in the digital world. This empowerment is crucial for protecting human rights and ensuring equitable access to technology. Discover more about digital literacy from the UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework.
Humane infrastructure integrates identity, data, storage, security, and education into a cohesive framework essential for applying Explainable AI (XAI) to achieve universal explainability. By understanding and implementing these components, we can create a more transparent, secure, and equitable digital environment that respects and protects human rights at every touchpoint.
For further reading and authoritative guidelines, explore the linked resources from global sustainability and technology agencies, which offer comprehensive insights into each component of humane infrastructure. Together, we can ensure that technology serves humanity effectively, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
