What does the Ada Lovelace Institute focus on in its audit methodology?

The Ada Lovelace Institute focuses on auditing AI systems by employing a methodology that includes scraping data, accessing APIs, and analyzing code. This approach allows them to systematically evaluate how AI systems operate, including how they gather data and the algorithms they utilize. By examining the raw data and underlying technologies, the institute can better understand the implications and potential biases within AI models, ensuring they operate transparently and align with ethical standards.

This method is crucial because it provides a technical foundation for assessing the performance and accountability of AI systems. Instead of just formulating guidelines or creating educational materials, the focus here is on the real-world functioning of the technology itself, thus enabling informed discussions regarding its ethical applications. Understanding the technical aspects of AI ensures that the broader implications of its use can be contextualized appropriately within societal norms and expectations.