Module C of the Toolkit has two primary objectives: First, to understand AI and big data within the context of a long history of interactions between technological affordances and cultural norms, values, and practices. This recognises that knowledge technologies—such as written language, the printing press, television, radio, etc.—have shaped culture and knowledge production. The relationship between technology and culture is fundamentally mutual and reciprocal. Second, building upon the first objective, Module C focuses on the particular definition of AI and big data as advanced knowledge technologies (AKTs). We analyse the past in this module to better understand the present and—potentially—to anticipate what may lie ahead.

The policy brief published by KT4D suggests that examining culture allows for a deeper understanding of societal responses to AI development.