RESEARCH
Credible ideas. Global insight. Actionable AI governance.
This page showcases selected research outputs, case studies, and publications that reflect What If AI’s mission: to explore emerging challenges in AI governance through critical, cross-border, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Our work contributes to both public conversations and policy-level thinking, with an emphasis on impact, accessibility, and global equity.
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Faces and Places
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Title: Faces and Places: Navigating the Cross-Border Legal Challenges of AI Facial Recognition Technologies
Published in: AI and Ethics (Springer Nature, 2025)
Author: Maryama Elmi, Founder, What If AI
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As facial recognition technology (FRT) becomes globally adopted, it exposes deep governance gaps, particularly in how data, algorithms, and computing power cross borders without consistent regulation. This research uses the case of Clearview AI to unpack the ethical and legal challenges of FRT across jurisdictions, revealing risks to privacy, data sovereignty, and algorithmic accountability.
Through the lens of the AI Triad framework, the study offers actionable insights to help governments and companies strengthen oversight, align global standards, and responsibly govern high-risk AI systems.
The publication marks a milestone for What If AI as its first academic research contribution and reflects the platform’s commitment to responsible, globally relevant AI governance.
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🔗 Read the full article here.
What’s Next?
What If AI is currently developing additional research outputs, including:
A multi-stakeholder AI governance toolkit for universities and innovation labs
A case study series on emerging trends in IP and AI commercialization