AI challenge to find lost Amazonian civilizations draws critics
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 - 16:54
in Mathematics & Economics
“Now, for the first time in history, anyone can conduct archaeological research.” So reads the pitch for a community science project sponsored by artificial intelligence giant OpenAI encouraging the public to use AI tools to scrutinize existing data from the Amazon rainforest for traces of lost ancient cities. But the OpenAI to Z Challenge has also faced criticism from archaeologists, Indigenous communities, and tech ethicists who argue it ignores important research norms, including consultation with the more than 300 Indigenous groups who live in the rainforest. Last week, the Brazilian government demanded OpenAI address the concerns. “It is irresponsible,” says University of Florida archaeologist Michael Heckenberger, who spent the ...