AI Needs You by Verity Harding
AI Needs You by Verity Harding is a call to action. It argues that the development of artificial intelligence is not only a technical issue but also a deeply human one. Harding explores how our values, ethics, and political systems will shape AI—and how every citizen has a role in that process.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- Policymakers and government officials working with technology
- Tech professionals and AI developers
- Students and researchers in ethics, political science, or computer science
- Activists concerned about surveillance, privacy, and equality
- Everyday citizens wanting a say in AI’s future
Top 3 Key Insights
- AI reflects human choices: AI systems inherit both the brilliance and the bias of their creators.
- Leadership matters: Political and ethical leadership can steer AI toward public good or deepen inequality.
- Everyone has a role: Shaping AI’s future must involve diverse voices, not just technical elites.
4 More Lessons and Takeaways
- Regulation encourages growth: Smart legal boundaries don’t kill innovation; they build trust and allow ethical progress.
- Trust is non-negotiable: Without transparency, AI systems will not gain the public trust needed for wide adoption.
- Diversity leads to fairness: Including people from all walks of life results in more equitable AI systems.
- We need a shared vision: AI must be developed with clear public benefit goals—such as addressing climate change or improving healthcare.
The Book in 1 Sentence
AI’s future depends not just on engineers, but on all of us—and how we choose to shape it.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
Verity Harding’s AI Needs You explains why artificial intelligence is not just for experts to debate. It mirrors humanity, including our values and biases. Harding explores how history—like the internet’s growth and the space race—shows that public trust and democratic participation are essential in shaping new technologies. The book calls for inclusive, ethical governance involving communities, governments, and developers. It stresses that AI should solve real-world problems and be regulated to ensure fairness. Harding urges us to see AI as a social issue and take part in its future.
The Book Summary in 7 Minutes
AI is not neutral. It reflects us—our flaws, our hopes, our values. Verity Harding explores this central idea with urgency and care. In AI Needs You, she argues that artificial intelligence must be shaped by democratic processes, public engagement, and a deep respect for ethics.
AI as a Mirror of Humanity
AI reflects the minds of those who build it. Developers bring their own values, biases, and assumptions to the systems they create. As AI spreads into daily life—from hiring decisions to facial recognition—these underlying biases can affect millions. Harding warns that without reflection, AI will replicate and magnify society’s existing inequalities.
The Role of Political Leadership
Strong leadership matters. Harding draws historical lessons from political actions that shaped technologies of the past. For example, John F. Kennedy’s space vision and Al Gore’s internet policy both helped steer innovation toward public benefit. She explains how treaties like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 show that global cooperation is possible. The right policies can ensure AI serves all, not just the powerful.
Ethical AI Needs Inclusive Governance
Harding believes AI should be governed by more than tech companies. Governance must include policymakers, civil society groups, educators, and everyday people. This diverse input ensures a broader understanding of risks, needs, and social consequences.
| Stakeholders in AI Governance | Role |
|---|---|
| Tech Developers | Build and innovate AI tools |
| Governments | Regulate and guide ethical standards |
| Civil Society | Advocate for fairness and justice |
| Academia | Offer research and long-term analysis |
| Affected Communities | Share lived experiences and concerns |
Without this multistakeholder approach, AI risks becoming an elite-controlled tool that leaves too many behind.
Rules Don’t Kill Innovation
Contrary to common belief, regulation can fuel innovation. Harding highlights the UK’s IVF regulatory approach as a successful model. The Warnock Commission set ethical boundaries for reproductive technology. This clear framework led to scientific breakthroughs, public trust, and international respect. Similarly, regulating AI can protect rights and create a safe space for innovation.
Benefits of Regulation in AI:
- Promotes legal certainty for innovators
- Boosts public trust
- Encourages fair competition
- Builds global standards
Trust is Everything
Public trust determines whether people accept or reject new technology. Harding points to internet history—how trust eroded after mass surveillance leaks. To avoid repeating mistakes, AI systems need transparent design. People should understand how AI makes decisions. Regular audits and open policies can help prevent abuse and bias.
Trust-building tools:
- Explainable AI systems
- Open-source models or documentation
- Independent audits
- Honest public communication
Diversity Powers Responsibility
AI should not be built by a narrow group of people. Harding calls for a wider pool of participants—especially from marginalized and underserved communities. Inclusion results in fairer systems. More people need access to AI education, funding, and decision-making positions.
How to Improve Diversity:
- Create local training and education hubs
- Support research from minority-led institutions
- Include affected groups in policy talks
- Build platforms for public consultation
A Positive Vision for AI
Rather than building AI just for speed or profit, Harding urges a more meaningful path. AI can fight climate change, detect diseases early, and personalize education. But these goals must be intentional. Developers and leaders must define what “public good” means—and design AI with that in mind.
Examples of AI for Social Good:
- Predicting wildfires and floods
- Accelerating new medicine discovery
- Making education more accessible
- Improving emergency response systems
Lessons from History
We’ve been here before. The nuclear age, the internet boom, and the genetic revolution all raised tough questions. Harding encourages us to learn from those moments. She stresses intentional design over unchecked growth. For example, internet commercialization exploded without strong rules—leading to today’s issues of data privacy and digital monopolies.
By studying the past, we can guide AI with foresight.
America’s Global Role
As the leading force in AI, the United States holds global influence. Harding suggests that U.S. leaders must shape international cooperation, not just competition. The U.S. can set ethical norms, support transparency, and resist the weaponization of AI. What it chooses now could shape global outcomes for decades.
US Priorities in Global AI:
- Lead AI ethics and accountability efforts
- Support multilateral frameworks
- Address AI-driven inequality
- Prevent militarization of AI systems
About the Author
Verity Harding is a global leader in AI policy and governance. Formerly at Google DeepMind, she worked on ethics and public policy initiatives. Harding has advised governments and spoken at major international forums on the societal impacts of artificial intelligence. She is also affiliated with the University of Cambridge, where she contributes to academic and policy work on responsible AI. Her writing reflects a deep commitment to democracy, inclusion, and the ethical use of technology.
How to Get the Best of the Book
Read with curiosity and a civic mindset. Highlight parts that relate to your community or career. Discuss with others to spread awareness and involvement. Reflect on how your actions—big or small—can influence AI’s future.
Conclusion
AI Needs You is not a book about machines—it’s about people. Harding reminds us that the future of AI is not fixed. It is something we create together. Her message is clear: don’t wait on the sidelines. The world needs your voice in shaping AI.