Mahault Albarracin: Illuminating the Path to Ethical AI in Web 3

In celebration of women leaders in Web3 throughout the month of March, I am honored to shine a spotlight on Mahault Albarracin , a visionary leader and trailblazer in the AI and cognitive computing industries. As the Director of Innovations and Ethics Expert at Verses AI, Mahault's remarkable achievements and groundbreaking initiatives have propelled her to the forefront of the Web3 ecosystem. With a relentless commitment to ethical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the democratization of AI, Mahault is reshaping the landscape of technology and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

In this interview, Mahault shares her insights, experiences, and aspirations within the Web3 industry. Join us as we explore her remarkable journey, vision for the future, and gain inspiration from her pioneering efforts to empower women in technology.

Charting the course for AI's future, I harness active inference to imbue machines with a transformative sense of self. My journey from the intricacies of cognitive computing to leading product innovations and ethics in technology at Verses exemplifies a commitment to ethical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the democratization of AI. By challenging the conventional paradigms and integrating diverse perspectives, I am dedicated to fostering AI systems that are not only advanced but also equitable, reflective of our collective aspirations, and capable of reshaping our social and professional landscapes for the better. - Mahault Albarracin?

Can you walk me through your career background and what inspired you to specialize in AI and cognitive computing?

I have a diverse career background that encompasses both technology and research, but my true passion lies in the field of AI and cognitive computing. Currently, I hold the position of Director of Innovations and Ethics Expert at Verses AI, where I lead pioneering initiatives that harness the power of active inference to empower AI with a profound sense of self-awareness. In addition, I am actively pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Computing, with the aim of bridging the gap between human cognition and machine intelligence. The potential of AI to revolutionize the way we understand and interact with the world has always fascinated me, and it is this fascination that has driven my career focus in this sector.

What experiences or events led you to become interested in Web3?

My journey into the Web3 ecosystem began when I started working on resilience and sustainability, leveraging IoT data, digital twins, and active inference. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to meet Gabriel René and Dan Mapes, who introduced me to the exciting possibilities of the Web3 space.

How does the mass adoption of Web3 enabled technologies align with your motivation for a more human-centered and ethically driven future?

What truly motivates me is the desire to make the best use of data and uncover the underlying connections in our world. I believe in moving towards a brighter future for all, rather than just a select few. The Web3 industry provides a unique opportunity to shape our own models and perspectives, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed when crafting new technologies or applications.

What positive changes do you hope to see for women in the workforce, particularly within the Web3 industry, in the next five years?

Looking ahead, I am optimistic that the emergence of new technologies like VisionPro and Sora will democratize AI and generation, making it easier for women's voices to be heard. We have the chance to shape the industry and reflect our perspectives. By actively participating in ethics boards and decision-making processes, we can ensure that AI systems are not only advanced but also equitable and reflective of our collective aspirations.

In 2024, despite numerous tech programs and initiatives, women still only account for approximately 26% of individuals working in the tech industry. It is evident that there is still a long way to go to close the gap. How do you believe women and their allies can champion and encourage more women to enter and thrive in Web3, considering the existing gender imbalance in the tech industry?

To encourage more women to enter and thrive in the Web3 ecosystem, we need to take a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, women in high-level positions can serve as mentors and pave the way for other women. It is crucial to be visible and ensure that our visibility reaches younger women who are considering a career in this field. Secondly, we must actively address any toxicity that exists within the industry, creating a positive and inclusive environment. By fostering allyship and forming coalitions both within and outside of companies, we can effectively promote a supportive ecosystem.

As cliché as it may sound, I believe that women supporting other women is crucial for empowering women to succeed. Could you please provide examples of innovative ways in which women in the Web3 ecosystem are utilizing blockchain technology to tackle social or gender-related issues?

One example that comes to mind is the initiative called "World of Women," which promotes women artists through the use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). By leveraging blockchain technology, these women are gaining greater representation and recognition, addressing the gender imbalance in the art world.

What advice would you give to other women who are interested in pursuing a career or getting involved in Web3?

My advice would be to maintain a cross-disciplinary background. The Web3 industry is constantly evolving, and having a diverse skill set will give you a competitive edge. Additionally, seek out women-led venture capital firms and leverage subsidies that are available. Learning to program and experimenting to build a portfolio will also contribute to your growth in this field.

In your opinion, what are the key skills or qualities that women need to bring to the table to succeed in Web3, and how can these be harnessed for greater impact?

I believe that skills and qualities are not inherently tied to gender. However, there are certain social constants that influence our responses and perspectives. Women tend to leverage empathy better and are more aware of the social pitfalls that can arise from the potential misuse or careless application of technology. By harnessing these qualities and embracing a multidisciplinary approach, women can make a significant impact in the Web3 ecosystem.

Could you share an inspiring story of a collaboration or partnership between women working in Web3 that you believe has resulted in positive change or significant breakthroughs within the industry?

At Verses AI, we have made a concerted effort to hire more women in the company. This led to the creation of an ethics department and a focus on sustainability technology through Active Inference with Digital Twins. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we have been able to drive positive change and innovation within the industry.

In closing, the AI Act purports to establish a "comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide" for "foster[ing] trustworthy AI in Europe and beyond, by ensuring that AI systems respect fundamental rights, safety, and ethical principles and by addressing risks of very powerful and impactful AI models."?How do you think developers can ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented in a way that actually human-centered principles and ethical considerations, in line with the European Union's AI Act?

Ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented in a way that prioritizes human-centered principles and ethical considerations, as outlined in the European Union's AI Act, requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses potential issues at various levels. The data used to train AI models must be carefully curated and scrutinized for biases and inaccuracies. Data can tell the wrong story if not properly vetted, leading to AI systems that perpetuate harmful outcomes. We need to involve diverse stakeholders, including representatives from different communities, to help identify and mitigate potential biases in the data. The AI models themselves can introduce biases through their architecture, training approaches, and the ways they combine and interpret data.

Developers must be transparent about the capabilities and limitations of their models, and employ techniques such as fairness testing and human oversight to detect and address any biases or unintended consequences. The purpose and real-world application of AI systems is where abstract ethical principles become concrete. Developers must deeply consider the potential misuses and negative impacts of their systems, and build in safeguards and monitoring mechanisms to mitigate risks. Models that aim for beneficial equilibrium with users and their environment, rather than single-minded optimization of a specific objective, are more likely to align with human values and lead to positive outcomes. More specifically: Models that are intended to work through homeostasis and equilibrium are more likely to find a peaceful state to be in with their environment, given some sets of preferences that they can learn from their environments.

To promote transparency and interpretability, we basically need to make the functioning of AI systems understandable to policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public, not just technical experts. Clear documentation, accessible explanations, and opportunities for input and feedback from diverse perspectives are critical. Ethical considerations must be integrated into the AI development process from the earliest stages, not treated as an afterthought. Developers should consult with ethicists, social scientists, rights advocates, and community groups to identify potential concerns and incorporate their insights into the design and deployment of AI systems.

Mahault Albarracin is a visionary leader and innovative force in the field of artificial intelligence and cognitive computing. She is dedicated to ethical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the democratization of AI. With her expertise and commitment to technology and social progress, Mahault continues to shape the trajectory of AI development, ensuring a future that is inclusive, ethical, and reflective of our shared human values.

Connect with Mahault Albarracin and learn more about her groundbreaking work and insights:

• LinkedIn

• Website: Verses AI
• Follow Mahault on X: @MahaultAlbarra1