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AI and School Security


Some of the limestone boulders just beneath the surface in Irion County have these fossilized creatures in them. Another 7,000 to 9,000 feet below this boulder is the eastern shelf of the Permian Basin, where vast amounts of oil and gas were formed, before the age of dinorsaurs, from the remains of animals and plants. That oil and gas is currently the funding lifeblood for Irion County ISD, the only public school in the county. That funding source is going to be replaced, but by what and when we don't yet know. In some way, however, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to play a role in the displacement of that funding.


 

December 20, 2023 Update: The law of AI is just in its infancy. Yesterday the FTC announced its settlement with Rite Aid pharmacy relating to its use of AI and facial recognition. Also, since I posted below I received a copy of ICISD's security contract with Ener-Tel and that contract in fact does have an AI provision in it. TEA, school districts, parents and students should start right away evaluating the privacy implications. I also mention ICISD's contract with Ener-Tel at meeting comment # 5 here.

 


Last month I finished reading The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman, so I have AI on the brain. Then, last month and again this week, I was excluded, lawfully, from the closed sessions of the Irion County ISD school board meetings; both executive sessions, closed to the public, included security matters. (I wrote about that here at Comment 5.) Combined, all these things caused me to wonder where public school security, AI and open government laws might collide.


So, I decided to ask ChatGPT a few things, and below is my unedited conversation with ChatGPT. It's really quite amazing, and it has helped me conclude that we are indeed on a collision course. Our current open meetings laws simply do not allow for the type of transparency that will be necessary.


Government in the Sun: How might AI be used to improve public school security?


ChatGPT: AI can be instrumental in enhancing public school security through various means. Implementing AI-powered surveillance systems can help in monitoring school premises in real-time, detecting unusual behavior or potential threats, and alerting authorities immediately. Additionally, facial recognition technology can enhance access control, ensuring only authorized individuals enter the premises. AI algorithms can also analyze patterns to predict potential security risks and suggest measures to mitigate them. However, it's crucial to balance security measures with privacy concerns and ethical considerations.


Government in the Sun: Give examples of all of the privacy concerns that might come up.


ChatGPT: Sure, here are a few privacy concerns related to using AI in public school security:

1. Surveillance and Intrusion: Continuous monitoring through AI-powered cameras might intrude on the privacy of students, teachers, and staff, raising concerns about constant surveillance in school premises.

2. Facial Recognition: Utilizing facial recognition technology could lead to concerns regarding the collection and storage of biometric data, as well as potential misuse or breaches of this sensitive information.

3. Data Security: Storing data collected by AI systems raises concerns about its security. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could compromise the privacy of individuals within the school community.

4. Misuse of Data: There’s a risk that the data collected for security purposes might be used for other reasons without consent or proper authorization, leading to privacy violations.

5. Inaccuracy and Bias: AI algorithms might exhibit biases or inaccuracies, leading to misidentification of individuals or misinterpretation of behaviors, potentially causing harm or false accusations.

6. Lack of Transparency: Often, the functioning of AI systems is complex, leading to a lack of transparency about how data is processed and decisions are made, raising concerns about accountability and oversight.

Balancing the need for security with these privacy concerns is crucial to ensure that AI implementation in public school security respects individuals’ rights and maintains ethical standards.


Government in the Sun: Please give me all examples of the ethical considerations that might come up.


ChatGPT: Certainly, here are several ethical considerations regarding the use of AI in public school security:

1. Equity and Bias: AI systems might inherit biases from the data they are trained on, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes, especially if they disproportionately affect specific groups based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

2. Informed Consent: There’s a need for transparent communication and consent regarding the collection and use of data for security purposes, especially when implementing technologies like facial recognition that involve personal information.

3. Children’s Rights: Safeguarding the rights of children is critical. Using AI for security should prioritize their safety without compromising their rights to privacy, dignity, and freedom of expression.

4. Surveillance Culture: Implementing extensive AI-powered surveillance might create a culture of constant monitoring, impacting the psychological well-being of students and staff and potentially infringing upon their sense of autonomy and freedom.

5. Overreliance on Technology: Relying solely on AI for security measures might neglect human judgment and intervention, potentially leading to over-reliance on technology that might not always be foolproof.

6. Data Retention and Transparency: Ethical concerns arise regarding the duration of data retention and the transparency of data usage. Clear policies on how long data is stored and who has access to it are crucial for ethical AI implementation.

7. Accountability and Oversight: Ensuring accountability for the decisions made by AI systems and having mechanisms for oversight and auditing become essential to prevent misuse or errors.

8. Impact on Learning Environment: Excessive security measures can affect the school’s learning environment by creating a tense or intimidating atmosphere, potentially impeding the educational experience.

Balancing the need for security with these ethical considerations requires careful planning, ethical frameworks, and ongoing assessment to ensure that AI implementation respects the rights and values of the school community.


Government in the Sun: What are your recommendations to public schools regarding transparency?


ChatGPT: Transparency is key when implementing AI in public school security. Here are some recommendations:

1. Clear Policies: Publicly articulate detailed policies regarding the use of AI in security. Explain what data is collected, how it’s used, who has access, and for what purposes. Make these policies easily accessible to students, parents, and staff.

2. Communication: Regularly communicate the purpose and functionality of AI systems to the school community. Offer workshops, information sessions, or materials explaining how AI enhances security while respecting privacy.

3. Consent and Opt-Out: Provide mechanisms for informed consent where feasible. Allow individuals to opt-out of certain AI-related activities if they have concerns about privacy. Respect their choices without repercussions.

4. Data Handling: Be transparent about data handling practices. Explain how long data is stored, who manages it, and the security measures in place to protect it from unauthorized access or misuse.

5. Feedback Channels: Establish channels for feedback and concerns regarding AI implementation. Encourage students, parents, and staff to voice their thoughts and address any apprehensions they might have.

6. Regular Updates and Reviews: Conduct regular reviews and updates on AI systems. Share any changes in policies, technology, or procedures related to AI security to keep the community informed.

7. Accountability and Oversight: Demonstrate accountability by having clear lines of responsibility for AI systems. Implement oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.

8. Education on Rights: Educate students about their rights concerning privacy and security. Teach them how to navigate the digital world responsibly, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ privacy.

By prioritizing transparency in these areas, public schools can build trust within their communities and ensure that the implementation of AI for security purposes aligns with ethical principles and respects individuals’ privacy rights.


Government in the Sun: What recommendations do you have for parents who have a child in public school where AI is being used?


ChatGPT: For parents whose children attend a public school using AI for security, here are some recommendations:

1. Understand School Policies: Familiarize yourself with the school’s policies regarding AI usage in security. Review information provided by the school about what data is collected, how it’s used, and the security measures in place.

2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the school administrators or teachers about the specifics of AI implementation. Inquire about the types of technology used, how it impacts privacy, and how it ensures your child’s safety.

3. Discuss Privacy Concerns: If you have privacy concerns, discuss them with school authorities. Inquire about opt-out options or alternative security measures available to ensure your child’s comfort and privacy.

4. Educate Your Child: Teach your child about privacy, digital citizenship, and responsible use of technology. Explain how AI works in the school environment and encourage them to report any discomfort or issues they might encounter.

5. Stay Engaged: Stay involved in school activities and discussions. Participate in parent-teacher meetings, security forums, or workshops organized by the school to understand how AI impacts the overall school environment.

6. Advocate for Transparency: Advocate for transparency and open communication between the school and parents regarding AI usage. Encourage the school to provide regular updates and avenues for feedback.

7. Monitor Your Child’s Well-being: Observe any changes in your child’s behavior or feelings towards school. Encourage open conversations about their experiences, ensuring they feel safe and supported in their learning environment.

8. Be Supportive: Support the school’s efforts to ensure security while balancing privacy concerns. Collaborate with the school community to find solutions that prioritize both safety and respect for privacy rights.

By staying informed, engaged, and supportive, parents can help ensure that their child’s school effectively uses AI for security while safeguarding their privacy and well-being.


Government in the Sun: Open Meetings Act laws permit school boards to meet privately in executive session when discussing security matters. What problems do you foresee when school boards meet privately concerning AI security matters?


ChatGPT: Private meetings for discussing AI security matters in schools can present several potential issues:

1. Lack of Transparency: Closed-door discussions can lead to a lack of transparency regarding the decisions made about AI implementation. This can generate mistrust or speculation within the community about the motives or actions taken.

2. Limited Accountability: Without public oversight, there’s a risk of limited accountability. Decisions made in private sessions might not undergo the same level of scrutiny or evaluation as those made in public, potentially leading to unchecked actions or biases.

3. Exclusion of Stakeholders: Privacy in discussing security matters might exclude valuable input from stakeholders such as parents, students, or teachers who could provide insights or raise concerns about the ethical or practical implications of AI usage.

4. Ethical Concerns: Without public scrutiny, ethical considerations might not be thoroughly debated or evaluated. Discussions about balancing security needs with privacy rights might not receive adequate attention in closed meetings.

5. Risk of Misinterpretation: Closed discussions could lead to misinformation or misinterpretation about the motives behind AI implementation. This can create unnecessary anxiety or distrust within the community.

To address these challenges, school boards should strive to strike a balance between confidentiality and transparency. They can consider providing summaries or redacted minutes of executive sessions that protect sensitive information while still ensuring the public is informed about the general discussions and decisions made regarding AI in school security. Additionally, boards can create avenues for public input or forums where stakeholders can express their concerns or suggestions related to AI implementation in schools.

-End of Conversation -

Copyright 2023 G Noelke

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