AI Aware Banks

Engaging financial institutions to promote the responsible development of advanced AI systems

Campaign Idea

Safe.AI: A Civil Disobedience Movement for Responsible AI within Financial Institutions

Campaign Description

Safe.AI is a campaign that aims to raise awareness about the dangers of advanced AI systems and promote responsible development and usage within financial institutions. The campaign will involve public demonstrations, consumer education efforts, and targeted civil disobedience actions aimed at influencing the practices of banks and investment firms. Activists will publicly commit to close their accounts in financial institutions not adhering to responsible AI practices and urge others to do the same. Furthermore, to promote transparency, the campaign will develop a “Safe.AI Index” to rank financial institutions based on their commitment to ethical AI practices.

Theory for Why This Campaign Will Create Change

The campaign’s combination of public demonstrations, consumer education, and civil disobedience actions will exert pressure on financial institutions to adopt responsible AI practices. By drawing attention to the issue and mobilizing public support, the campaign can trigger a societal shift in attitudes towards AI and its potential dangers.

Sample Viral Social Media Post from the Campaign

“Just closed my account with Bank X today! I won’t stand by while they support the unregulated development of advanced AI systems. #SafeAI #BankResponsibly 🚫🤖💳”

Sample Press Release Announcing Campaign to Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Safe.AI Launches Campaign to Promote Responsible AI Development within Financial Institutions

City, Date - Safe.AI, a new activist organization, has launched a campaign targeting financial institutions to promote responsible development and use of advanced AI systems. The campaign aims to engage the public through demonstrations, consumer education, and civil disobedience efforts, encouraging them to hold their banks and investment firms accountable for their AI policies.

Safe.AI will also develop and maintain the "Safe.AI Index," which rates financial institutions based on their commitment to ethical AI practices. The index will serve as a guide for consumers seeking to align their financial activities with responsible AI development.

Safe.AI calls on all individuals concerned about the potential dangers of unchecked AI growth to join the movement and stand up for a safer, more responsible future. To learn more about the campaign or to become an activist, follow #SafeAI and stay tuned for updates.

Story Written in the First Person Perspective

In my local community, I started noticing the growing concern about the potential dangers of advanced AI systems, especially when it came to financial institutions. It began as a small group of concerned citizens, meeting at a local library, when we realized that our voices could make a difference. We started Safe.AI and reached out to others who shared our concerns.

Our first demonstration took place in front of a well-known bank, demanding transparency in their AI practices. Soon, the local press picked up our story, and our message began to spread. From there, we developed the Safe.AI Index and built a network of activists all across the nation.

How will opponents to this campaign try to stop it:

Opponents, including certain financial institutions and AI development companies, may try to discredit the movement by claiming that the potential dangers of AI are overblown or that regulation would stifle innovation. They may also attempt to use legal means to suppress demonstrations and civil disobedience actions.

How Should Activists Respond to Opponent’s Attempts to Stop It

Activists should respond by maintaining a strong and consistent message, focusing on the importance of responsible AI development and the potential consequences of ignoring the issue. They should also be prepared to engage in reasoned dialogue with opponents, emphasizing the need for ethical and transparent practices in the AI industry.

What Are the Steps Necessary to Launch the Campaign

1. Establish a core group of committed activists.
   • Connect with like-minded individuals through social media, local events, and community organizations.
2. Develop campaign messaging and branding.
   • Create a distinct campaign identity and slogan to resonate with the public.
3. Establish the Safe.AI Index.
   • Conduct research on financial institutions' AI practices and develop a rating system.
4. Organize public demonstrations and civil disobedience actions.
   • Coordinate with local activists to schedule events and ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
5. Develop a social media and press strategy.
   • Utilize social media platforms to raise awareness and engage supporters. Prepare press releases for key events and milestones.
6. Build a network of activists across the nation.
   • Leverage social media, events, and alliances with other organizations to expand the reach of the campaign.