S5 E4: Is AI a New Form of Colonization? Defending Indigenous Sovereignty in A Tech World ft. Margaret Yun-Pu Tu
In the fourth episode of Taiwan Salon Season 5, former GTI Communications Associate Yuchen Lee and GTI Ya-Hui Chiu Summer Fellow Cara Bilson interview Margaret Yun-Pu Tu, a PhD candidate in Law at the University of Washington and co-founder of the Seattle-based NGO Pacific Alliance for Autonomous Traditions, Indigenous Sovereignty (PAFATIS). Ms. Tu explores the impact of AI on indigenous cultures and how maintaining data sovereignty is essential for indigenous groups globally and within Taiwan. Ms. Tu discusses how unauthorized data collection through large language models (LLMs) and careless AI-generated content undermines the autonomy Indigenous communities have fought hard to achieve. Moreover, such exploitation extends beyond technology into broader diplomatic practices when it comes to Indigenous cultural diplomacy. However, she also highlights how solutions may be found in grassroots tech initiatives and responsible legislation that elevate Indigenous perspectives in the crafting of public policy.
