AI that can detect sexuality is coming – should we be worried?

This isn’t the first time research has been done into AI’s capabilities when it comes to ‘detecting’ sexuality. “Hard to think of a grosser or more irresponsible application of AI than binary-based ‘who’s the gay?’ machines”, tweeted Rae Walker, a specialist in the use of tech and AI in medicine. “In general, I would say I’m deeply concerned about the use and development of AI that has the power to detect sexuality in theory,” they say. “[This claim] may be grounded in the idea that a biological marker for sexuality provides evidence that sexuality isn’t a choice. It’s also possible that this sort of tech could be used to persecute queer people in countries where homosexuality is illegal.