Ethics and AI: What You Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely used in today’s business models and is becoming lucrative in today’s fast-paced business world. But where should the line be drawn between what an ethical use of AI is and when it is not?

How are today’s companies leveraging AI? Forbes shared the vast applications today’s businesses are exploring.

· More than half of businesses today use AI to help with fraud management and cybersecurity.

· One in four of business owners today are worried about AI impacting website traffic.

· A whopping 97% of company leaders believe ChatGPT will help their businesses.

· Almost half of all business owners use AI to draft internal communications.

Whatever your company uses AI to enhance or improve, remember to maintain ethics with every use and application. Here are some tips to keep employees from crossing that line and staying within your company’s ethical boundaries. It’s just another case for launching an ethics hotline for added ethics reinforcement, too.

Transparency with AI Use

When AI systems are in place, there should be a very clear method of communication as to how these systems will be used, planned, and taught. Companies need to determine how the usage of these AI systems will impact their product or customers. Transparency is imperative when these systems are in place. A concise ethics policy is an important component in exhibiting this transparency.

AI Use Definitions and Accountability

In AI development and placement, consider implementing a distinct line that outlines responsibility and accountability regarding ethical issues. Negative impacts should be identified and alleviated at the front end of any project. Clear guidelines that define authorized and unauthorized AI use will help create an ethics benchmark for others to follow.

AI Ethics and Bias Mitigation

Even with AI technology, bias should still be a concern, as the algorithms and associated data can be programmed to exhibit tendencies toward bias. Steps should be taken to ensure impartiality and fairness.

Informed Consent

Users should know about the collection and application of their personal data. Obtain consent for AI use, informing users of how and when their information or data will be used and stored. And many companies are providing opt-out choices for users.

Ethical Use Cases

The use of AI technology should only be used for constructive purposes, and caution should be exercised to avoid applications and materials that may be socially or morally unacceptable.

Continuous Monitoring of AI Use

Routine monitoring of AI usage is necessary to maintain a system that is free from ethical threats and bias. Companies should regularly assess AI systems for compliance with their ethics policy and ensure benchmarks continue to be met.

Stakeholder Engagement for Input

Stakeholder engagement is vital when implementing AI systems. Everyone should be involved in the design and oversight of the AI technology. By gathering input from employees, customers, and the surrounding community, a varied collection of viewpoints can be used to shape a solid ethics policy and identify concerns.

Ethical Guidelines for Growing AI Use

Despite being relatively new, AI continues to evolve and is more present in everyday technologies and digital solutions. As your company leverages various AI applications, consider creating ethics guidelines as you go, prepare to adapt and change as uses change. The end goal is to establish responsible and ethical practices for how your company leverages AI.

Ethics Hotlines for AI Ethics Monitoring

Ethical Advocate offers assistance in creating an ethics policy that is a good fit for your AI systems business model. And an ethics hotline can help you establish and reinforce ethics with your AI. Contact our ethics team to learn more about what you can do to stay on the right side of AI ethics.