We have experienced the true potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the past couple of years, and it has been nothing short of remarkable. Who knew it could analyze large amounts of data, write books, create music, generate art, and even write code?
But wait, there is a catch. When given too much leverage and liberty, it can act in a concerning manner.
Just recently, OpenAI o1 models tried to turn off oversight mechanisms in safety testing. These mechanisms were meant to keep a check on o1. Similarly, it is no secret that ChatGPT has previously expressed a concerning desire to end humanity.
This shows that if trained on the wrong kind of data, AI can be used for dangerous purposes.
That is where Ethical AI comes into play. Let us explore what it is and why it is so important in today’s age.
What is Ethical AI?
Also called AI Ethics, it is the practice of regulating AI with specific rules that ensure it is used safely. This not only makes artificial intelligence safe for individuals but for the entire world as well.
You can think of this as a code of ethics that makes sure systems, like ChatGPT, do not act in a biased, discriminatory, or offensive manner. In doing so, Ethical AI eliminates risks that come with using and developing artificial intelligence.
It focuses on four important areas:
- Privacy: Makes sure that AI systems like chatbots protect all kinds of personal data.
- Bias: Ensures that the systems do not display unfair discrimination (including racial, gender-based, national, or religious) against individuals.
- Transparency: Makes sure that the models are able to provide proper reasoning to users and engineers about their actions and decisions.
- Accountability: Ensures that companies and organizations that work on artificial intelligence systems are accountable for how their AI behaves.
These restrict organizations, governments, and developers from using bad quality, biased, or malicious data to train models. It also restricts them from hastily building them. This allows developers to correct harmful AI behaviors through proper testing.
Why is Ethical AI Important?
AI has become an essential part of our lives. In fact, it is being used in some ways that do not seem obvious at first glance.
Netflix uses AI to suggest content based on user preferences.
Service providers like Xfinity offer AI assistants to resolve their customers' problems faster. In fact, chatbots are one important reason why users get access to 24/7 customer service. In case the AI is not able to help solve the user’s problem, human Xfinity Customer Service agents can always step in to assist the customer.
Now that it is ingrained in our lives in so many ways, it is important to ensure artificial intelligence stays helpful and does not harm us in any way.
Ethical AI makes sure that Netflix’s smart suggestions do not suggest inappropriate content to little kids. It also makes sure that Xfinity’s customer data remains protected, and that they are guided only through helpful ways.
Let’s look at how the ethical use of AI can help create a transparent, accountable, unbiased, and privacy-focused system.
It Prevents AI from Negatively Impacting Humans
The concept of AI going rogue and taking over humanity might seem fictitious, but it can be a real threat to humans. A code of ethics stops AI from negatively impacting humans by showing bias.
For instance, Ethical AI helped stop Amazon from using a smart resume screening tool that was showing clear bias against women applicants. Similarly, ChatGPT is constantly monitored to not give outputs to users on topics like abuse, suicide, and crimes.
It Eliminates Novel Risks that Come With AI Adoption in New Industries
As the technology progresses, many industries are adopting it to see how it can help them improve their processes.
However, that means new and unexplored ways in which it can show risky behaviors in industry-specific use cases. Ethical AI mitigates these risks by working on privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability. For instance, it is being used to address patient data confidentiality issues by using robust security measures.
It Develops the Public’s Trust for AI
Most people already view artificial intelligence as a threat that is here to take over their jobs and impact their livelihoods. By ensuring safe and positive interactions between people and AI, it can help improve how people view AI.
It influences their perception of AI and helps them see its numerous benefits instead of just focusing on its possible risks. For instance, chatbots solving people’s problems can help them change their perception of AI.
It Makes AI Development Transparent
Some people are paranoid about how big organizations are using artificial intelligence for their personal gain. A code of ethics ensures that the way organizations and developers use AI is transparent and understandable for users.
This way, users can see how their data is being used by the organization and if it is being used responsibly. Keeping these reasons in mind, it becomes pretty clear how the ethical use of artificial intelligence is important in today’s time when advancements are happening at a rapid pace.