Governing AI Harm: Safety, Accountability, and the Future We’re Building
Event Description
As AI systems become more powerful and embedded in everyday life, the question is no longer whether harm will occur, but how we anticipate, measure, and govern it.
This session explores emerging approaches to understanding and addressing AI-related harm, from bias and misinformation to more subtle risks around cognitive and emotional wellbeing. What frameworks exist, or need to be built, to help governments, companies, and civil society assess and respond to these risks in a consistent and accountable way?
We will examine the growing importance of online safety, particularly as AI systems become more human-like. The rise of anthropomorphic AI, including chatbots and AI companions, raises new concerns about dependency, manipulation, and impacts on mental health, especially for young people.
The conversation will also focus on the role of businesses, philanthropists, and policymakers in shaping the incentives that guide how AI is developed and deployed. If AI is to support a healthier, more equitable future, what governance structures and accountability mechanisms are needed now?
Bringing together cross-sector perspectives, this session will move beyond abstract debates to focus on how we build practical, enforceable approaches to minimizing harm while unlocking AI’s potential for good.
Speakers
Jaspreet Singh is Co-Founder of ICAAD, advancing community-led advocacy and systemic equity through law, art, and technology.
Sabine Flechet is Co-Founding Partner at Masawa, advancing mental and brain health through impact investing and founder support.
Discussion Questions
What frameworks are needed to assess and govern AI-related harms across sectors?
How do we address emerging risks from anthropomorphic AI and its impact on mental health?
What role should governments, businesses, and philanthropy play in shaping AI incentives?
How can we balance innovation with safety, accountability, and long-term societal wellbeing?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.