AI Now has produced annual reports that examine the social implications of artificial intelligence.

[6][7] AI Now grew out of a 2016 symposium spearheaded by the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

[8] The event focused on near-term implications of AI in social domains: Inequality, Labor, Ethics, and Healthcare.

Its 2017 Report stated that, "current framings of AI ethics are failing", and provided ten strategic recommendations for the field - including pre-release trials of AI systems, and increased research into bias and diversity in the field.

The report was noted for calling for an end to "black box" systems in core social domains, such as those responsible for criminal justice, healthcare, welfare, and education.