AI companies offer museums funding but raise ethical concerns

AI companies are increasingly partnering with museums, offering financial support and technological tools in exchange for access to collections and visitor data. These collaborations, touted as a way to boost engagement and funding, have sparked debates over trust and ethics. Institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago have adopted AI-powered chatbots and recommendation systems. Critics worry about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for corporate influence over curatorial decisions. The trend reflects a growing reliance on tech funding amid declining public subsidies.