The Unseen Ethical Considerations in AI Practices: A Guide for the CEO

Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is only accelerating among global corporate enterprises, thus CEOs and business leaders are positioned at the confluence of innovation and ethics as it relates to implementing AI projects within their businesses.

While technical prowess and business potential are usually the focus of conversations around AI, the ethical considerations are sometimes overlooked, especially those not immediately obvious. From a perspective that straddles the line of business leadership and technical acumen, there are five critical, yet often missed, ethical considerations in AI practices that should be part of your due diligence in starting any AI projects:

1. Bias vs. Morals: The Ethical Design Imperative

While much has been said about data bias, less attention is paid to bias in AI design and development phases. Ethical AI necessitates considering not just the data inputs but also the underlying algorithms and their predisposition towards certain outcomes.

Bias and morality diverge in the domain of AI due to their distinct natures. Bias refers to systematic errors in judgment or decision-making, often stemming from ingrained prejudices or flawed data. However, an ethical AI framework begins with inclusive design principles that consider diverse perspectives and outcomes from the outset. In contrast, morality embodies principles of right and wrong, guiding ethical behavior and societal norms.

While bias is generally viewed as detrimental, AI often requires a degree of bias to function effectively. This bias isn't rooted in prejudice but in prioritizing certain data over others to streamline processes. Without it, AI would struggle to make decisions efficiently or adapt to specific contexts, hindering its utility and efficacy. Therefore, managing bias in AI is essential to ensure its alignment with moral principles while maintaining functionality.

2. Transparency and Explainability: Beyond the 'Black Box'

AI's "black box" problem is well-known, but the ethical imperative for transparency goes beyond just making algorithms understandable and their results explainable. It's about ensuring that stakeholders can comprehend AI decisions, processes and implications, guaranteeing they align with human values and expectations. Recent techniques like reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) that align AI outcomes to human values and preferences confirm that AI-based systems behave ethically. This means developing AI systems where decisions are in accordance with human ethical considerations and that can be explained in terms that are comprehensible to all stakeholders, not just the technically proficient.

Explainability empowers individuals to challenge or correct erroneous outcomes and promotes fairness and justice. Together, transparency and explainability uphold ethical standards, enabling responsible AI deployment that respects privacy and prioritizes societal well-being. This approach promotes trust, and trust is the bedrock upon which sustainable AI ecosystems are built.

3. Long-Term Societal Impact: The Forgotten Horizon

As leaders, it's our duty to ponder the future we're building. AI is and will continue to change how we work, live and play — all while being more productive. Ethical AI practices require a forward-thinking approach that considers the lasting imprint of AI on society. Aiming for solutions that benefit humanity as a whole, rather than transient organizational goals, is crucial for long-term success.

Ensuring ethical AI involves anticipating and mitigating potential negative consequences such as exacerbating inequality. Proactive measures include comprehensive risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, and robust regulatory frameworks. Moreover, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and public engagement enables informed decision making and promotes accountability. By prioritizing human values and well-being, ethical AI endeavors to enhance societal resilience, promote inclusivity, and create a sustainable future where technology serves humanity equitably and responsibly.

4. Accountability in Automation: Who Takes Responsibility? 

Automation brings efficiency but also questions of accountability. AI's rapid advancement demands government regulation and legislation to mitigate risks and ensure ethical use. Regulation is imperative to address concerns like privacy breaches. Legislation can establish standards for transparency, accountability and safety in AI development and deployment. Regulations like these aid innovation by providing clear guidelines and helping bridge public trust. Collaborative efforts between policymakers, developers, and ethicists are imperative to strike a balance between promoting AI's benefits and safeguarding against its potential harms.

CEOs must advocate for and implement policies where accountability isn't an afterthought but a foundational principle. Ethical AI practices must establish clear accountability frameworks, which involves comprehensible delineation of roles and responsibilities among developers, operators and stakeholders. This includes implementing feedback loops, robust auditing processes, and avenues for redress in case of unintended consequences. In an automated world, when errors occur, determining responsibility can become murky; stay ahead of government regulation by introducing ethical AI practices from the start.

5. AI for Good: Prioritizing Ethical Outcomes 

Prioritizing ethical outcomes with AI necessitates deliberate consideration of societal impacts and values throughout the development lifecycle. Ethical AI practices involve actively seeking opportunities where AI can contribute to societal challenges — healthcare, environmental sustainability and education, to name a few. It's about coordinating AI initiatives with broader societal needs and ethical outcomes, leveraging technology that will facilitate and accelerate ethical practices.

Why Starting With Ethical Considerations Makes Sense 

Harnessing the power of AI in business is quickly becoming table stakes, leaving those that don’t begin initiatives behind. Ethical considerations are the guardrails for sound decision making so that clients prevent potentially catastrophic results in the future, like regulatory and legal risks, averting potential fines or lawsuits. Ethical AI deployment also enhances employee morale and productivity, promoting a culture of responsibility and integrity within any organization. Starting with ethical expertise ensures that AI initiatives are not just technically sound but are also ethically responsible, sustainable, and in-step with corporate and societal values. Prioritizing ethics strengthens public and stakeholder trust, crucial for long-term reputation and customer loyalty.

Ultimately, beginning with ethical considerations demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility and contributes to building a more ethical and sustainable business ecosystem. The future of AI isn't just about what technology can do; it's about what it should do.

Eric Huiza is the global chief technology officer of Aionic Digital, a technology consulting firm.