When We Stop Questioning Technology: AI, Human Judgement and Accountability

As AI becomes part of everyday decision-making, are we becoming too willing to accept what technology tells us without questioning, verifying or taking responsibility for the outcome?
Drawing on real-world technology implementation experience, this session explores how human judgement, organisational culture and accountability shape responsible AI use in the Global South. It examines how over-reliance on AI, commercial pressure and the rush to deliver can undermine digital rights, privacy, transparency and trust, particularly for communities already affected by unequal access to technology and decision-making power.
The session proposes that responsible AI begins with individuals willing to question and verify AI outputs, but also requires organisations to create environments where concerns can be raised safely and without retaliation. Clear reporting channels, independent escalation mechanisms such as an ombudsman, and meaningful two-way communication can help ensure that identified risks lead to investigation and corrective action rather than being ignored.
Participants will share experiences and examine how civil society, technologists, researchers, policymakers and affected communities can collaborate to challenge harmful practices, identify risks earlier and strengthen accountability. The objective is to develop practical principles for advancing human-centred, rights-respecting AI and protecting Internet freedom as AI becomes increasingly embedded in our work and lives.