The declaration underscores TELUS' ongoing commitment to
reconciliation with data and ethics strategy
TORONTO, June 18,
2024 /CNW/ - TELUS is proud to uphold its commitment
to reconciliation by declaring that it will not use artificial
intelligence (AI) technology to create or replicate the art or
imagery of Indigenous Peoples. TELUS released its Reconciliation
Commitment in 2021, which states TELUS is committed to progressing
the path of Reconciliation in a deeply meaningful way, in
partnership with Indigenous Peoples and is dedicated to fulfilling
its role and responsibilities in this regard. This commitment has
underscored TELUS' ongoing reconciliation efforts and the update to
include technology and the use of AI further cements the evolution
of this work.
The declaration states: Progressing the path of reconciliation
in a meaningful way includes the ethical use of technology and AI.
Indigenous data sovereignty is crucial in this endeavor, with
Indigenous Peoples controlling and protecting their cultural
heritage and artistic expressions. TELUS is proud to support the
artistic practices of Indigenous Peoples, while being mindful of
the historic role organizations have played in the misappropriation
of Indigenous art and culture. In upholding TELUS' Commitment to
Artistic Integrity, we declare that we will not use AI technology
to create or replicate the art of, or imagery of, Indigenous
Peoples.
"At TELUS, we are deeply committed to embracing the important
work towards reconciliation and believe that a fundamental aspect
of our AI and data ethics efforts is listening and learning from
those impacted by and interacting with technology," said
Pam Snively, Chief Data & Trust
Officer at TELUS. "We are dedicated to working side by side with
Indigenous Peoples to preserve their rich cultural legacy and
creative endeavors and hope this inspires other organizations to
follow suit."
TELUS is a global leader in the responsible and ethical use of
AI, and recently made history with its generative AI (GenAI)
customer support tool becoming the first in the world to be
internationally certified in Privacy by Design (ISO 31700-1). TELUS
also recently won an international Outstanding Organization 2023
prize from the Responsible AI Institute in recognition of its
commitment to fostering trust and benefitting society. It's also
the first telecom company in Canada to sign the Government of Canada's voluntary code of conduct for
generative AI, which aims to ensure the transparent, equitable and
responsible development and deployment of GenAI technology. Earlier
this year, the company published its inaugural TELUS AI report: The
power of perspectives in Canada,
sharing the perceptions, insights and opinions of AI from nearly
5,000 Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups,
older Canadians, new Canadians, youth, people with physical
disabilities, and the LGBTQ2S+ community.
"AI designed without First Peoples negatively impacts our
communities. Cultural images, artistic traditions and the work of
Indigenous artists are more than 'designs', they are sacred in
their meaning and symbolism. It is paramount that we are partners
in building this critical piece of infrastructure so that it does
not further oppress our people. Our inclusion matters in getting it
right," said Shani Gwin, Founder and
CEO of pipikwan pêhtâkwan and TELUS Indigenous Advisory Council
member. "It's encouraging to see Telus distance itself from the
unethical and harmful use of our images, creative expressions, and
intellectual property. Indigenous People have been left out and
have missed benefits such as employment and economic opportunities
due to appropriation and exclusion. There is nothing about us,
without us. As Canada struggles
with its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and AI's capacity
to help or harm, this declaration is a timely and positive
step."
To commemorate this declaration, TELUS commissioned a work of
art by Kenneth Letander, an Ojibway
artist originally from Manitoba
and now living in Alberta's Treaty
6 region. The artwork, titled "Honour by Design", conveys
Letander's vision:
- "In this concept, a human hand is in control
of pressing a small green circle, symbolizing the individual's
choice in when and how to use AI. Behind the hand is a turtle,
representing Indigenous stories, while below flows a blue river of
water where the green circle meets in the middle, signifying the
collision of humanity and technology and how humans can use it for
good, such as using AI to protect waterways and Mother Earth.
Adjacent to this scene is a globe with communication lines leading
to a tablet screen, where the turtle is looking and taking in
information. Notably, the information representing AI is
intentionally separate from the turtle and the hand, as it is
respecting Indigenous stories, culture, and determination."
To learn more about TELUS' AI art declaration and future
opportunities to have your voice heard on responsible AI, visit
telus.com/responsibleAI/declaration. To learn more about TELUS'
commitment to reconciliation and to read the 2023 Indigenous
Reconciliation and Connectivity Report, visit
telus.com/reconciliation.
For more information, please contact:
Sacha Gudmundsson
TELUS Public Relations
Sacha.Gudmundsson@telus.com
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic,
world-leading communications technology company with more than
$20 billion in annual revenue and
over 19 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP,
voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social
purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion
to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our
longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every
aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer
service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades
TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading
network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS'
global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide
Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to
the people, resources and information that make our lives
better.
Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International
(TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience
innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation
solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and
disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including
tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech,
banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and
others.
TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides
employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing
solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health
professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong
digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client
service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental
health outcomes covering nearly 72 million lives, and growing,
around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and
digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer
Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to
store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other
goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.
Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens
for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give
where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute
$1.7 billion, including 2.2 million
days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and
unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company
in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com,
follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on
Instagram.
SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.