ALFIE at the ITU: Paving the Way for Trustworthy AI in Europe

The recently launched ALFIE project was presented at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Intersector Rapporteur Group Audiovisual Media Accessibility by Professor Pilar Orero (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). The IRA-AVA focuses on enhancing accessibility across the audiovisual sector. Founded in 2013, it aims to develop recommendation for access systems that support media accessibility across platforms like broadcasting, cable, and online services. The group collaborates with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and standardisation organisations.

Why ALFIE?

ALFIE’s mission is ambitious yet crucial in today’s digital landscape. The project will establish two main pillars to guide AI toward ethical applications:

EthiTech Dialogue Hub (ETD-Hub): This platform will connect AI experts, policymakers, legal professionals, and citizens to discuss and develop ethical and legal standards in AI, ensuring the technology aligns with societal needs.
AutoML Platform: Designed for accessibility, this platform will simplify model creation for users, emphasising ethics and compliance with EU regulations to create fair and transparent AI models.

ALFIE’s framework uses a modular “Lego-like” architecture to allow for adaptability across various European contexts, promoting transferability and scalability. With its broad consortium, including partners like Bosch and renowned research institutions such as the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies, the project spans six European countries, bridging a range of AI, ethics, and accessibility expertise.

Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility

At the heart of ALFIE’s work is a commitment to ensuring AI systems meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and those affected by the digital divide. The project’s first phase will collect interaction requirements directly from end users, industry partners, and citizen representatives, especially those from marginalised communities.

Join the conversation

Presented to the ITU’s Intersector Rapporteur Group on Audiovisual Media Accessibility, ALFIE invites collaboration and insights from experts in the field. The team welcomes members to participate in defining AI accessibility requirements, developing online debate frameworks, and engaging in meaningful discussions to shape an inclusive AI future.

The ALFIE project represents a significant step toward a responsible AI framework, where ethical considerations and accessibility are not just supplementary features but fundamental requirements. Through continued collaboration and dedication, ALFIE is poised to make AI a more inclusive, trustworthy, and accessible tool for all.