Quebec is taking a significant step towards enhancing the representation of its society, culture, and Indigenous languages in artificial intelligence systems. The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) has initiated an experimental phase for a new database aimed at compiling cultural and governmental content. This move follows a comprehensive feasibility study completed earlier this year, responding to concerns that mainstream AI models often lack reliable information about Quebec due to limited data.
Project Overview
BAnQ’s ambitious project is designed to correct the deficiencies in AI systems that struggle to accurately reflect Quebec’s unique cultural landscape. According to Valérie D’Amour, who spearheaded the feasibility study, the initiative is still in its infancy, with numerous possibilities on the table. “We have a lot of ideas and we want to validate the possibilities with cultural stakeholders, as well as with data owners and providers,” she stated in a recent interview.
The new database will gather information in both French and Indigenous languages, ensuring a diverse representation of the province’s cultural heritage. However, BAnQ has made it clear that this platform will not serve as a public distribution channel for creative works, with strict controls on data access.
Addressing Cultural Bias
Marie Grégoire, BAnQ’s president and CEO, emphasised the necessity of ensuring that AI systems reflect the realities of Quebec society. “That means having Quebec references, whether in small models or large models,” she explained. This effort is crucial in a landscape where many AI systems are predominantly influenced by data from outside the province, leading to a lack of local context.
Researchers like Destiny Tchéhouali, who holds a chair focused on French-language AI at Université du Québec à Montréal, have expressed concerns about the underrepresentation of Quebec culture in existing AI datasets. He noted that this lack of representation could perpetuate linguistic and cultural biases, particularly concerning Indigenous communities. “We run the risk of reproducing these biases,” Tchéhouali warned.
A Centralised Approach to Copyright
As BAnQ moves forward with its plans, copyright issues remain a prominent concern within the cultural sector. Grégoire argues that the proposed database could provide a more secure environment for creators compared to the current landscape, which she likens to “the Wild West” regarding data harvesting. “Data is being harvested for free, and that should not be the case,” she stated.
This centralised database aims to establish a fairer system where creators can be adequately compensated for their contributions. By collaborating with cultural organisations, BAnQ believes they can ensure long-term sustainability for the sector.
Despite these positive prospects, some artists are apprehensive about the implications of sharing their work for AI training. Maxime Harvey, a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute of Scientific Research, articulated the prevailing concern: “Even if artists earn income from it, they are still feeding the beast that will eventually replace contracts they may lose because of AI.”
Future Prospects
The feasibility study anticipates that the platform will become operational by 2029, although the timeline may be adjusted depending on the outcomes of the experimental phase. The estimated budget for the next five years is approximately $10.5 million, covering both operating and capital costs. The Quebec government has already allocated $340,000 for the feasibility study and an additional $750,000 to support the project’s 12-month experimental phase.
Why it Matters
This initiative by BAnQ represents a pivotal moment for Quebec’s cultural identity in the digital age. By developing a robust database of local content, the project aims to empower Quebec artists and creators while ensuring that AI systems can accurately represent the province’s rich diversity. In an era where AI is increasingly influencing various sectors, the need for inclusive and representative data has never been more critical. This project not only strives to preserve and promote Quebec’s cultural legacy but also sets a precedent for how local data can shape the future of technology in a way that respects and reflects its origins.
