[Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/indigenous-peoples-tech-companies-gover... ]
Thanks Richard for drawing our attention to this. AI is a big issue for Indigenous communities here in Australia. Our Productivity Commission is conducting a public review as noted in the National Indigenous Times article by Reece Harley on August 7th 2025, quote follows:
What is really on the table is the unpaid and unconsented use of intellectual and cultural property, particularly that of First Nations people.
There is no shortage of warning signs. Earlier this year, Adobe's Firefly AI platform generated fake images of Aboriginal people and artworks. They were inaccurate and culturally offensive. These images were produced without any consultation, cultural authority or permission. The backlash from First Nations creators and cultural leaders was swift and justified.
As Wuthathi, Yadhaigana, and Meriam lawyer and leading intellectual property Dr Terri Janke explained: "It's not just about the advancement of technology. It's about whether these advancements empower our cultures or simply turn them into commodities."
Dr Ann Lawless, Australia.
HIFA profile: Ann Lawless is a sociologist and patient representative, currently based in Australia. She has worked in a community health centre as a health worker, has taught health issues at university level including Indigenous health; and has an active and long term interest in health advocacy. She is a member of the HIFA-WHO working group on Learning for quality health services.
https://www.hifa.org/projects/learning-quality-health-services
https://www.hifa.org/support/members/ann
Email: lawlesszest AT yahoo.com