[2604.06219] From experimentation to engagement: on the paradox of participatory AI and power in contexts of forced displacement and humanitarian crises

Computer Science > Computers and Society arXiv:2604.06219 (cs) [Submitted on 23 Mar 2026] Title:From experimentation to engagement: on the paradox of participatory AI and power in contexts of forced displacement and humanitarian crises Authors:Stella Suge (Executive Director, FilmAid Kenya), Sarah W. Spencer, Nyalleng Moorosi (Senior Researcher, The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR)), Helen McElhinney (Executive Director, The CDAC Network), Geoff Loane (Chair, The CDAC Network), Sue Black (Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist, Durham University) View a PDF of the paper titled From experimentation to engagement: on the paradox of participatory AI and power in contexts of forced displacement and humanitarian crises, by Stella Suge (Executive Director and 10 other authors View PDF Abstract:Across the Global North, calls for participatory artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the responsible, safe, and ethical use of AI have increased, particularly efforts that engage citizens and communities whose well-being and safety may be directly impacted by AI and other algorithmic tools. These initiatives include surveys, community consultations, citizens' councils and assemblies, and co-designing AI models and projects. Far fewer efforts, however, have been made in the Global South, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian crises and forced displacement, where the deployment of AI and algorithmic tools is accelerating. In this paper, we critically e...