- In today’s world, marked by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental crises, it becomes crucial to critically examine the production and dissemination of knowledge across both digital and physical realms.
- This project represents a critical examination aimed at uncovering and unfolding the centralized technologies and networks that shape our digital and physical worlds.
- Inspired by the concept of
- “De-Blackboxing,”
- this research delves into the socio-environmental implications of digital network architectures,
- artificial intelligence (AI), and information and communication technology (ICT).
- "De-Blackboxing" refers to the process of making the inner workings of technology that are otherwise hidden or opaque - visible and transparent. The term “Blackboxing”, originating from Bruno Latour’s concept and sociology of science research, suggests that as machines and technologies operate efficiently, their internal complexities become invisible.
- “Unfolding Networks” is an endeavour seeking to uncover these hidden structures and gives an overview for sustainable and equitable alternative network models.
- The interactive media installation offers an exploratory way to engage with research. The installation serves as a discursive simulation that engages with knowledge and discourse.
- It acts as a metaphor for "de-blackboxing" — a process of making opaque processes transparent and understandable — and unfolds data and information in a public space to facilitate dialogue and knowledge retrieval.
- Cloud storage, crucial for our digitized world, appears to be endless and immaterial, promoted for Information Communication technologies - ICT,ML and AI research and applications.
However, with the increase in cloud computing and data storage, it’s essential to recognize that:
the cloud is not immaterial and relies on significant amounts of energy and material resources.
- Increasingly perceived as wireless or ‘in the cloud,’ the reality is that most of the Internet’s connectivity relies on submarine cables lying deep across the oceans, rather than satellites.
- The internet and digital connectivity are now fundamental elements of our digitised lives, often taken for granted as basic necessities.
- These digital networks extensively mediate, influence, and facilitate our daily and global activities.
- Over the decades, the internet has transformed into a complex, multilayered network.
- This complex network of infrastructures includes millions of servers, numerous international ports, sprawling data centers, switch points, and extensive undersea and terrestrial cable systems.
- Despite this growth, the global distribution of network resources remains uneven, with significant disparities in access and connectivity across different regions.
- Networks have been shaped by notions of
Nationhood and territorial sovereignty.
- How do ideologies and power operate in AI and machine learning research and publication?
The geopolitical landscape of AI is shifting, with national affiliations playing a crucial role in the distribution of technological advancements: In 2023, the United States produced 61 notable machine learning models, leading globally. China followed with 15 models, while France produced 8. For the first time since 2019, the combined output of the European Union and the United Kingdom surpassed China. ( AI Index Report. "AI Index Report 2021." AI Index Steering Committee, Human-Centered AI Institute, Stanford University, Dec. 2021, https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index.)
- AI’s Growing Number of Parameters
& Carbon Footprint
The multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence, from industry dominance and geopolitical trends to environmental challenges and ethical considerations needs to be publicly addressed. As AI Models continues to evolve and grow, the data, reports and findings provide visual insights to navigate the complex enviromental consequences.