Artificial Intelligence, commonly known as AI, broadly refers to the capability of computers or robots controlled by computers to perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence and discernment. While no AI system has yet been developed that can rival a human in performing a vast array of tasks, several AI technologies can match or even surpass human performance in specific tasks.
A key characteristic of AI is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the highest probability of reaching a specified goal. One particular subset of AI, called Machine Learning (ML), focuses on teaching computers to learn from data without explicit programming. Deep Learning (DL), a category within ML, enables automatic learning through the absorption of massive amounts of unstructured data, such as text, images, or video content.
Ethical AI: Concept and Key Aspects
Ethical AI, also referred to as Moral or Responsible AI, relates to the development and deployment of AI systems in harmony with ethical principles, societal values, and human rights. It underscores the responsible use of AI technology, highlighting how it should benefit individuals, communities, and society, while mitigating potential drawbacks and biases.
Several key aspects form the core of Ethical AI. Transparency and Explainability state that AI systems should be designed and executed so that their operations and decision-making processes are transparent and understandable for users and stakeholders. This principle enhances trust and accountability.
Fairness and Bias Mitigation is another crucial aspect of Ethical AI. It ensures fairness in AI algorithms and models to prevent discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, Ethical AI respects the right to privacy and emphasizes the secure handling of personal data. Accountability and Responsibility mandate that those developing and deploying AI systems should be accountable for their outcomes. Robustness and Reliability imply that AI systems should be trustworthy and consistent across varying scenarios, with measures in place to combat adversarial attempts to manipulate the AI system.
Finally, the principle of Benefit to Humanity posits that AI systems should contribute positively to society and the environment, solve societal problems, and enhance human well-being.
Concerns Pertaining to Ethical AI
A myriad of ethical concerns are associated with AI. The potential risk of unemployment is one, as AI technologies are increasingly replacing tasks traditionally carried out by low-income workers, such as cash handling and field operations. The fear is that AI will eventually sideline many desk jobs as well.
AI might exacerbate existing inequalities. Companies may drastically cut down their reliance on the human workforce, resulting in revenues concentrated among fewer people. This could potentially widen the gap within and among countries.
There is also the worry of tech addiction, a new frontier of human dependency. The discriminatory facet of AI cannot be ignored either, as humans who design AI systems can be biased or judgmental, leading to potential discrimination against minority groups.
Moreover, there is a chronic fear regarding AI turning against humans. An AI application designed to eradicate cancer might end up killing all life forms to achieve its goal.
Global Standards for AI Ethics
In 2021, UNESCO adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence aimed at shifting the balance of power between individuals and organizations developing AI. It emphasizes the importance of data management, privacy, and access to information. The Recommendation strongly opposes the use of AI for social scoring or mass surveillance and highlights the potential impacts these systems can have on children.
UNESCO calls for member states to invest in and promote not just digital, media, and information literacy skills, but also socio-emotional and AI ethics skills. It is also working on developing tools to assess the readiness in implementing these recommendations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ethical AI
AI models should be designed in a way that their functioning and decision-making processes are easily understood. A strong focus on data privacy is also essential, along with ensuring appropriate and secure handling of sensitive information.
The success of Ethical AI relies on meaningful collaboration among industries, stakeholders, and governments rather than the imposition of arbitrary legislation. Advanced discussions at government level point towards a need for greater clarity regarding foundational models and data usage in AI systems. When developed ethically and responsibly, AI holds the potential to be a powerful force, capable of empowering billions, bridging the digital divide, and making tangible positive impacts on individuals, communities, and societies worldwide.
