ethical impact assessment
What is ethical impact assessment?
Ethical impact assessment in the AI industry involves a systematic review of the potential ethical issues that may arise from the development and deployment of AI systems. This assessment seeks to ensure that AI technologies are aligned with societal values, human rights, and fairness. It involves examining aspects like bias, privacy, transparency, and accountability to prevent harm and promote trust. By identifying ethical risks early in the development process, companies can make informed decisions to mitigate negative consequences and enhance positive outcomes. The goal is to create AI systems that are not only technically robust but also ethically sound, benefiting individuals and society as a whole.
An evaluation process to understand and address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence technologies.
Examples
- Facial Recognition: Ethical impact assessments are crucial for facial recognition systems to ensure they do not perpetuate biases or invade privacy. For instance, studies have shown that some facial recognition technologies have higher error rates for people of color, which can lead to unfair treatment.
- AI in Hiring: Companies using AI to screen job applicants must conduct ethical impact assessments to prevent discrimination. An example is when Amazon discovered that their AI recruitment tool was biased against women, prompting them to discontinue its use and re-evaluate their approach.
Additional Information
- Ethical impact assessments help build public trust in AI technologies.
- They can guide regulatory compliance and help avoid legal issues related to ethical misconduct.