"3 Tips for Practicing Ethical AI in Your Business"
AI has definitely had its share of questionable moments in recent years. From self-driving cars not being able to recognize pedestrians in time to Facebook selling user data, it's easy to see why some people might be hesitant to fully embrace this technology. But just because there have been a few instances of AI gone wrong doesn't mean we should write it off completely. In fact, AI and deep learning have the potential to do a lot of good for businesses and individuals.
That's why it's so important for companies to practice Ethical AI as they incorporate it into their products and services. If you're thinking about using AI apps or an AI platform for your business, here are three key things to keep in mind to make sure you're doing it ethically:
Integrate your AI projects and tools into existing policies, processes, teams, and governance boards. It can be tempting for AI teams to operate in secrecy, outside of the regular corporate governance structure. But this can lead to separate rules and expectations for the AI team versus the rest of the business. To avoid this, make sure your AI and ML projects are transparent, accountable, and aligned with your company standards. The further away your machine learning team is from the rest of the company, the bigger the risk you run of something going wrong.
Build organizational awareness and reward employees for identifying ethical challenges. While it's important sometimes to keep certain parts of your AI project confidential, the AI tools and platform you're using shouldn't be. Make sure knowledge of AI and ML is spread across a team, including trusted advisors outside the company, and empower your employees to watch for any ethical issues that might arise. The more transparent you are about the tools you're using and the more people that are aware of how they work and their intended use, the more accountable your AI program will be.
Understand and monitor the impact of your AI project on employees, customers, and the marketplace. Before launching an AI product or service, it's important to consider not only the intended consequences, but also the potential pitfalls. This includes not only those directly affected by the process, but the ecosystem and broader marketplace as well. Sure, finding a new and easier way to service your customers might sound great, but if it also impacts labor laws, employment rates, or even the overall economy, it's worth considering whether it's worth it.
By following these keys, you can ensure that your AI projects are being used ethically and responsibly. It's true that AI has had its share of missteps, but that doesn't mean we should give up on it completely. With the right approach and a focus on ethical practices, AI has the potential to do a lot of good. So let's embrace it and make sure we're using it in the right way!