1- PolicyAI Responsible
Within the RobotsMali AI4D LabWe are committed to conducting research and development in artificial intelligence in an ethical, inclusive and public interest manner. Our guiding values and principles include:
Transparency: We strive to make our research, data and models as transparent as possible. Where relevant, we publish open, accessible and well-documented codes, data sets and licensed results.
Equity and reduction of biases: We recognize the potential biases in data and models, particularly in low- and under-represented languages such as Bambara and each of Mali's 12 other national languages. Our goal is to identify, reduce and openly discuss them in order to build more equitable systems.
Data ethics: We are committed to collecting and using data responsibly. When it comes to personal or human data, we seek informed consent, ensure anonymization if necessary, and respect cultural sensitivities. No personal or proprietary data shall be processed or published by our laboratory without the express consent of the party concerned.
Inclusion and local empowerment: Our work is based on the realities and needs of the African communities and mainly directed towards those of Mali. We involve researchers, teachers and local users in the design and evaluation of our tools to ensure their relevance and impact.
Open science and reusability: Whenever possible, our productions are published under open-source or open-data licenses. We aim to follow the FAIR principles (Easy to find, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) in all our work. This policy reflects our continued commitment to responsible and open research and is regularly updated to keep pace with best practices in the community.
2- Privacy Policy for Our Applications
This section presents our general approach to privacy and data confidentiality in applications developed by the RobotsMali AI4D Lab.
Unless otherwise stated, all our applications follow the principles described below. Some applications may include exceptions to certain clauses depending on their function, which will be specified in their own policy. At present this policy applies to our literacy application: An be Kalan.
About our applications: Our educational applications, such as An be Kalan, aim to promote learning and literacy in local languages, including Bambara, among Malian children. They incorporate various tools: digital books, games, translators, and often voice recognition systems (ASR) and other types of language models.
Data collected and purposes:
Progression and interactions: We collect data related to the use of the application (e.g. reading time, pages consulted, interactions) to improve user experience.
Voice systems (ASR): Unless otherwise stated in a specific application, no voice recording is maintained. Anonymized metrics can be used for research or performance improvement.
Games and translators: Interactions (anonymized) can be recorded temporarily or permanently to ensure functionality and make possible improvements to the application.
Purpose of treatment
The data collected enable:
– Customize the learning experience;
– Analyze the use of the application to optimize content;
– Ensure quality and security of service.
Storage, security and shelf life: Data are stored securely and are only accessible to authorized team members. Personal data (not anonymised) is kept only during the active use period or until the account is deleted.
User rights: Under existing laws, users have the following rights:
– Access to their data;
– Correction of incorrect data;
– Removal on request (subject to legal obligations);
– Opposition to certain uses.
Policy Changes: Any major changes to this policy will be communicated via our official channels (application or website).
Contact: For any question or request concerning this policy:
– Email: info@robotsmali.org
– Address: SEBENIKORO COMMON IV, Street: 00394, Gate: 08, Bamako, Mali
– Website: https://robotsmali.org
