Responsible Use of AI in Archives: The Role of Paradata
How can archives use Artificial Intelligence responsibly? The answer lies in paradata — structured information that documents the methods, processes, technologies, and people involved in creating and managing records.
By consciously applying paradata throughout the entire lifecycle of an AI system, not just at the beginning or end, archivists can provide transparency about why, how, by whom, and with what results a tool was used. This approach ensures accountability, supports trust in archival practices, and helps future users understand the context of AI-driven decisions.
This contribution draws on research from the international InterPARES Trust AI project, highlighting the importance of paradata in ensuring that AI supports, rather than undermines, the principles of responsible recordkeeping.