Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often described as an isolated technological breakthrough. ‘Behind the Loop’ explores the systems and the people—workers, creators and communities whose labour, knowledge and lived experiences shape these technologies. 

The event features two complementary lenses on the human dimensions of AI:

Film Screening: ‘Humans in the Loop‘ (2024), written and directed by Aranya Sahay, follows a single mother from the Oraon tribe (an indigenous community from the Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal) balancing AI-training work with reconnecting to her roots, while her pre-teen son resists their new life away from the city.

Interactive Game: Developed by Ritvik Gupta, Sreya Nair, Nighat, and Aditi Shah from the labour team at Aapti Institute, ‘In the Pipeline’ turns complex research into a first-hand experience for players. It draws on their work across data work, content moderation, algorithmic management, digital labour policy and the political economy of AI, highlighting vulnerability and trust on digital platforms, AI value chains and labour standards, transnational AI governance and the invisible labour underpinning AI systems.

Together, we aim to dive deep into the motivation behind the movie, its message to the larger audience and the insights gained during the filming in a conversation with the director.

This event encourages reflection and dialogue on the social impacts of AI, fostering a deeper understanding of the human dimensions that underpin trustworthy and inclusive AI development. We’ll explore some of the questions at the heart of AI today from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Food for Thought 

• Who trains AI? What does this work/labour look like?
• Whose knowledge is included? What and who becomes visible to AI?
• Who benefits from AI? 
• Are we working ourselves out of jobs or are we freeing up talent to upscale?
• What would a more equitable, human-centred AI future look like?

Swissnex in India, in partnership with Aapti Institute, Wadhwani AI and Nadhi–SheforClimate, presents ‘Behind the Loop’. This event is part of the Road to Geneva, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders and civil society to shape conversations at the intersection of technology, society and sustainable development.