What are the Ethical Considerations of Using AI in Surveillance? – IELTS Reading Practice

The Reading section of the IELTS exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English within a specified time frame. Topics covered are diverse and often include contemporary issues like technology, ethics, environment, and more. One such pertinent topic is “What Are The Ethical Considerations Of Using AI In Surveillance?”. This topic is not only relevant today but has also appeared in various forms in recent IELTS exams, making it crucial for candidates to understand and be able to discuss.

In this article, we will explore this topic in depth, creating a reading practice exercise that mirrors the IELTS format. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue while offering high-quality practice content.

Ethical Considerations of Using AI in Surveillance

Reading Passage

Title: Ethical Implications of AI in Surveillance

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in surveillance has been a topic of intense debate. Proponents argue that AI enhances security and improves efficiency in monitoring activities. However, ethical considerations must be taken into account.

Firstly, privacy is a significant concern. AI surveillance systems can collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data without individuals’ consent. This practice could lead to unprecedented levels of monitoring and tracking, potentially eroding personal freedoms.

Secondly, the issue of bias in AI algorithms must be addressed. AI systems are trained on existing data, which can contain biases that are then perpetuated by the system. This can lead to unfair targeting of specific groups and result in discrimination.

Thirdly, the question of accountability arises. When AI systems make decisions, it can be challenging to determine who is responsible for those decisions. This lack of accountability can complicate legal and ethical discussions, especially when decisions have significant consequences.

Moreover, there’s the potential for misuse of AI surveillance systems. Authoritarian regimes might use these technologies to crack down on dissent and control the population, leading to severe human rights violations.

Lastly, transparency is critical. The workings of AI systems should be open to scrutiny to ensure they are being used ethically and responsibly. Without transparency, it is difficult for the public to trust these systems.

In conclusion, while AI has the potential to revolutionize surveillance, it is imperative to address these ethical considerations. Balancing security needs with the protection of individual rights is essential in developing responsible AI surveillance practices.

ai-surveillance-ethics|ai surveillance ethics|An image depicting the ethical concerns of using AI in surveillance, showing a CCTV camera with an AI brain and a person with their face obscured by binary code, representing privacy concerns.

Questions

Multiple Choice

1. According to the passage, what is one major concern about AI surveillance?

   • a) Increased efficiency
   • b) Lack of accountability
   • c) High cost
   • d) Technological advancement

2. The passage suggests that AI surveillance systems could potentially lead to:

   • a) Enhanced personal freedoms
   • b) Reduced efficiency in monitoring
   • c) Severe human rights violations
   • d) Lower levels of security

True/False/Not Given

3. AI systems are never biased.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

4. Transparency is not important in the use of AI surveillance systems.

   • True
   • False
   • Not Given

Sentence Completion

5. One of the ethical considerations of using AI in surveillance is the ____.
6. The potential misuse of AI surveillance can be particularly troubling in ____.

Answer Key & Explanations

1. b) Lack of accountability
   The passage highlights the difficulty in assigning responsibility when AI systems make decisions, which complicates both legal and ethical discussions.

2. c) Severe human rights violations
   It mentions that authoritarian regimes might use AI surveillance technologies to crack down on dissent and control the population.

3. False
   The passage states that AI systems can contain biases from the data they were trained on.

4. False
   The passage emphasizes the importance of transparency in order to gain public trust and ensure ethical use.

5. collection of vast amounts of personal data without consent
   The first point under ethical considerations talks about privacy concerns related to data collection without consent.

6. authoritarian regimes
   The passage points out that authoritarian regimes might misuse AI surveillance systems to control populations and suppress dissent.

Common Mistakes

• Misunderstanding Questions: Make sure to read each question carefully to understand what it is asking. Look for keywords in the question that match with those in the passage.
• Not Matching Information Correctly: Ensure that your answers directly correspond to the information presented in the passage. Do not infer beyond what is provided.
• Identifying True, False, or Not Given: Know the difference; “True” means the statement agrees with or is supported by the text, “False” means it contradicts the text, and “Not Given” means there is no information on this.

Vocabulary

1. Erode (verb) /ɪˈroʊd/: To gradually destroy or diminish.
2. Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/: The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
3. Transparency (noun) /trænˈsper.ən.si/: The quality of being done in an open way without secrets.

Grammar Points

• Passive Voice: Used to focus on the action rather than the actor. For example, “data can be collected” instead of “someone can collect data”.
• Complex Sentences: Combining multiple ideas in one sentence to convey detailed information. For instance, “the potential misuse of AI surveillance systems, particularly in authoritarian regimes, can lead to severe human rights violations”.

Conclusion

To perform well in the IELTS Reading section, practice with diverse topics and enhance your comprehension skills. Topics like “ethical considerations of using AI in surveillance” are not only relevant but provide good practice for critical thinking and comprehension.

To achieve high scores, practice regularly, understand different question types, and improve your vocabulary and grammar. Keep up-to-date with contemporary issues as they frequently appear in the IELTS exam. Good luck!