The accessibility and applications of computer vision in the arts are explored in the document “Computer Vision for Artists and Designers: Pedagogic Tools and Techniques for Novice Programmers.” It discusses how advancements in software development tools, open-source communities, processing speeds, and affordable hardware have made computer vision techniques available to novice programmers and interactive-media artists. The document covers various aspects of computer vision, including its integration into interactive art installations, elementary vision algorithms, the importance of physical environments, artist-friendly toolkits, and a student project example. However, alongside the opportunities presented by computer vision, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with its implementation.
Ethical concerns arise from the use of computer vision technology. One major concern is bias and discrimination, as algorithms trained on biased or unrepresentative datasets can perpetuate societal biases and lead to discriminatory outcomes. Invasion of privacy is another pressing issue, with facial recognition capabilities enabling surveillance systems to track and monitor individuals without their consent, raising questions about privacy rights and consent. Ensuring informed consent is important, as individuals may not always be aware of the extent to which their personal data is being collected and used in computer vision applications. Security and surveillance risks exist, as misuse of computer vision technology can result in unauthorized access, breaches of cybersecurity, and potential mass surveillance. Lastly, the widespread adoption of computer vision can have social impact and inequality implications, exacerbating existing inequalities and raising concerns about job displacement and socioeconomic disparities.
Addressing these ethical concerns is crucial to ensure the responsible and equitable use of computer vision technology. It requires measures such as curating diverse and representative datasets, implementing bias mitigation techniques, safeguarding privacy rights, providing transparent communication and consent mechanisms, prioritizing security and cybersecurity best practices, and considering the broader social implications to promote equitable outcomes. By integrating ethical considerations into the development and deployment of computer vision systems, we can harness the potential of this technology while mitigating its potential harms.