The IELTS Reading section can be a challenging part of the exam, demanding a thorough understanding of diverse texts. One increasingly relevant topic today is “What are the ethical implications of AI in surveillance?” This subject has appeared in several forms in past assessments and is likely to recur due to its ongoing relevance. By delving into this topic, IELTS candidates not only engage in meaningful practice but also acquaint themselves with contemporary issues.
Main Body
Reading Test (Medium Text)
Passage
As artificial intelligence (AI) technologies advance, their application in surveillance raises significant ethical concerns. The implementation of AI in surveillance systems is becoming increasingly prevalent in law enforcement, public spaces, and even private sectors. This trend prompts debates on various ethical implications, some of which include issues of privacy, consent, bias, and accountability.
Firstly, the deployment of AI surveillance technologies often compromises individual privacy. These systems collect and store large amounts of personal data, frequently without the explicit consent of individuals being monitored. Consequently, the potential for misuse of this data becomes a pivotal concern. Unauthorized data access or breaches could lead to significant privacy violations.
Moreover, AI in surveillance brings up issues of consent. Unlike traditional surveillance methods, AI systems operate discreetly and ubiquitously, making it difficult for individuals to be fully aware of their monitoring. This lack of transparency undermines the consent that is a cornerstone of ethical surveillance practices.
In addition to privacy and consent, there are notable concerns regarding bias in AI surveillance systems. AI algorithms are trained on data sets that may contain existing biases. If these biases are not adequately addressed, the systems can produce discriminatory outcomes, disproportionately impacting certain groups based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Such disparities can exacerbate existing inequities within society.
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Furthermore, the accountability of AI surveillance systems remains a critical issue. Determining who is responsible when things go awry is often complex. Whether the fault lies in the design, the data, the implementation, or the operators of the AI systems, pinpointing accountability becomes a convoluted task. This lack of clear responsibility may hinder the establishment of ethical standards and regulations.
In conclusion, while AI technologies offer the promise of enhanced efficiency and capabilities in surveillance, they also introduce substantial ethical challenges. Addressing privacy concerns, ensuring informed consent, mitigating biases, and establishing clear accountability are essential steps towards the ethical deployment of AI in surveillance.
Questions
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Multiple Choice:
- What is one primary ethical concern regarding AI in surveillance?
- A) Enhanced data storage capabilities
- B) Improper data access and breaches
- C) Increased public trust
- D) Advancements in technology
- What is one primary ethical concern regarding AI in surveillance?
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True/False/Not Given:
- The collection of data by AI systems often happens with the explicit consent of individuals.
- Transparency is an issue because individuals are not always aware of when they are being monitored.
- AI surveillance systems are free from biases.
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Matching Headings:
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Match the following headings to the correct paragraph in the passage:
- i. Privacy Concerns
- ii. Consent Issues
- iii. Bias in Algorithms
- iv. Accountability Challenges
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Paragraph A: ____
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Paragraph B: ____
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Paragraph C: ____
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Summary Completion:
Fill in the blanks with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.- AI in surveillance poses several ethical issues, including concerns about individual ____ and the lack of ____ among monitored individuals.
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Short Answer Questions:
- What increases the complexity of determining accountability in AI surveillance systems?
- What must be addressed to ensure the ethical deployment of AI in surveillance?
Answer Keys
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Multiple Choice:
- B) Improper data access and breaches
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True/False/Not Given:
- False
- True
- False
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Matching Headings:
- Paragraph A: i. Privacy Concerns
- Paragraph B: ii. Consent Issues
- Paragraph C: iii. Bias in Algorithms
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Summary Completion:
- privacy
- transparency
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Short Answer Questions:
- The complexity arises from determining who is responsible, whether it is the designers, the data, the implementation, or the operators.
- Addressing privacy concerns, ensuring informed consent, mitigating biases, and establishing clear accountability.
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting Consent: Many candidates mistakenly assume that data collection is always done with explicit consent.
- Overlooking Bias: Students often fail to recognize that bias in AI systems can lead to discrimination.
- Ignoring Accountability: The complexity of determining responsibility is frequently underappreciated.
Vocabulary
- Surveillance (noun): /sɜːˈveɪləns/ – close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
- Consent (noun): /kənˈsent/ – permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
- Bias (noun): /ˈbaɪəs/ – prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another.
Grammar Focus
Use of Conditional Sentences
- Type 1: “If AI biases are not adequately addressed, they can produce discriminatory outcomes.”
Passive Voice
- “The collection and storage of large amounts of personal data are often done without explicit consent.”
Tips for High Reading Scores
- Skim and Scan: Quickly identify main ideas and specific information.
- Vocabulary Building: Enhance your word bank for better comprehension.
- Practice with Purpose: Regularly tackle various question types.
- Time Management: Allocate your time wisely for each section.
By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can maximize your performance in the IELTS Reading section.