AI could help scale humanitarian responses. But it could also have big downsides


Jorge Menjivar, from El Salvador, stands outside the Northern Bus Station in Mexico City, Sept 22, 2023, during his journey north to the US. An example query that IRC shared is of a woman from El Salvador travelling through Mexico to the United States with her son who is looking for shelter and for services for her child. The bot provides a list of providers in the area where she is. — AP

NEW YORK: As the International Rescue Committee copes with dramatic increases in displaced people in recent years, the refugee aid organisation has looked for efficiencies wherever it can – including using artificial intelligence.

Since 2015, the IRC has invested in Signpost – a portfolio of mobile apps and social media channels that answer questions in different languages for people in dangerous situations. The Signpost project, which includes many other organisations, has reached 18 million people so far, but IRC wants to significantly increase its reach by using AI tools – if they can do so safely.

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