/en/the-ai-revolution/robotics/content/

Ethics in AI

Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that govern society as a whole. As Artificial Intelligence becomes integrated into our daily lives, we need to consider its ethical implications, or the moral “gray area” that comes along with it. Let’s take a look at two major concerns: bias in AI, and AI surveillance. 

Bias

In a general sense, “bias” refers to someone/something being against or in favor of a particular person, thing, or group (rather than neutral). Bias in AI can occur when the data used to train the system does not represent the real world, which can lead to unfair results. 

For example, say an AI system used to evaluate job applicants was trained on a data set that mostly consisted of men. This could lead it to be biased against women. This is why AI systems really need to be trained using diverse and representative data.

Surveillance

AI surveillance refers to the use of technology, such as facial recognition and behavioral analysis, for monitoring and tracking individuals or groups. The widespread use of AI surveillance systems can erode people’s personal privacy. 

AI military surveillance refers to the use of AI to monitor and gather intelligence in military contexts. It involves the deployment of AI systems for tasks such as reconnaissance, target identification, and threat detection. There are worries about the potential for AI systems to make autonomous decisions in combat situations, as well as the lack of human control and accountability over these systems.

Addressing these concerns

Bias and surveillance are just two of the moral dilemmas we’re facing when it comes to advancements in AI. So what can society do? Here are some recommendations made by scientists and other experts in the field…

• We should develop guidelines that emphasize the importance of privacy, nondiscrimination, and minimizing biases in AI algorithms. 

• We need our AI systems to be transparent, explainable, and accountable.

• If there are strong regulatory/legal frameworks put into place, then people’s rights can be safeguarded.

By ensuring that AI is developed and used responsibly, ultimately, we can harness its potential and transform society in positive ways. In Lesson 9, we'll discuss the future of AI and some of the "big picture" questions we should ask ourselves moving forward.

Continue the Convo: Besides bias and surveillance, what is another ethical concern about AI? Explore what it is, how this could negatively impact society, and what we can do to mitigate the risks. 

/en/the-ai-revolution/the-future-of-ai/content/