TASTE – On data and (Dis)information

The development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, is closely linked to the collection, processing and large-scale training of data. At times described as “the new oil”, such datasets have yielded significant economic value and power for major tech companies. These companies are not the only ones collecting data from users’ interactions with digital platforms: governments, research institutions and industries also rely on vast quantities of data to improve their administrative, scientific or commercial systems and services.

What has changed in recent years is how the availability of “big data” has driven the development of new algorithms now used to train generative AI. Rather than simply predicting patterns or behaviours for decision-making, these systems learn from data to generate “new” content. However, they remain ill-equipped to distinguish between reliable and questionable information, between fact and mere opinion. With their increasing presence in our homes, workplaces and the public realm, how can we prevent them from blurring the line between information and disinformation?

The third TASTE Talk invites audiences to playfully and critically unpack the underlying mechanisms, structures and risks that these so-called “black boxes” may pose to our democratic societies.

Bringing together artists, researchers and practitioners, the evening will include presentations and discussions followed by an informal moment of exchange at the Mudam Café.