The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Understanding Power and Responsibility | by Claudia Stanciu | Version 1 | Apr, 2024

April 22, 2024

47 6 minutes read

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Thoughtful robot thinking of ethics — Generated with DALL·E 3

As artificial intelligence (AI) integrates into everyday life, its impact extends beyond simple tasks, influencing major decisions in healthcare, finance, education, and even our personal interactions. Yet, a famous quote reminds us, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Therefore, the rapid advancement of AI technologies poses unique ethical challenges that demand careful consideration and proactive management. This blog aims to explore both the promising opportunities and ethical challenges of AI, presenting a balanced view as we navigate this transformative era.

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Artificial intelligence, once a term encountered only in the realms of science fiction and speculative academia, has now become a household buzzword in everyday life. This transformation began in earnest as technological advancements made theoretical concepts a reality. The journey of AI into the public consciousness was marked by several key milestones, such as the development of IBM’s Deep Blue, which famously defeated chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in 1997, and more recently OpenAI’s GPT models, which have revolutionised natural language, and made generative artificial intelligence “mainstream” to the general public.

The allure of AI lies in its promise and versatility. It has the potential to automate mundane tasks, analyse vast datasets, and create new avenues for innovation across various sectors. However, what exactly do I mean when I say that ‘AI’ has become a buzzword? For example, consider the marketing of home appliances like oscillating fans and radiators. A while ago, when I was looking to buy a radiator, what caught my eye was that some of the listings included the words ‘AI-powered’. Taking a closer look at the descriptions of some products, I noticed that ‘AI-powered’ meant that some radiators had the ability to turn on or off based on the room temperature, also being advertised as ‘AI heating technology’, which is essentially a thermostat — a technology that has been around for a long time and has been rebranded as ‘AI technology’. This misuse of the term not only undermines the ethical principle of Transparency by obscuring the true nature of a product’s technology but also challenges the ethical principle of Honesty.

The proliferation of AI as a marketing tool not only demonstrates its appeal but also the need to scrutinise what is genuinely AI versus what is merely a pre-programmed function or basic automation feature. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can better navigate the landscape of AI claims and applications. This sets the stage for a discussion on why adhering to ethical principles in AI development and implementation is not just important, but necessary for harnessing its full potential while minimising social and ethical risks.

Healthcare

A robot who is a doctor — Generated with DALL·E 3

In the healthcare industry, AI’s impact has been profoundly positive. For instance, AI-powered applications, driven by complex machine learning algorithms, are now used to assist the visually impaired by converting written text to speech or providing navigational assistance through complex environments, such as with the technology developed by DotLumen. Additionally, AI-driven diagnostic tools have the potential to revolutionise medical imaging by enabling faster, more accurate analyses, which can lead to earlier detection of conditions like cancer, significantly improving quality of life. Other uses of AI in medicine could include virtual health assistants, prosthetic limbs, drug discovery and development, robotics for performing surgery and many more. These applications of AI clearly highlight the ethical principle of Beneficence, as it positively contributes to the good of humanity.

Digital Afterlife

A particularly unusual and poignant application of AI can be observed in the emergence of technologies that create digital avatars and chatbots. These digital entities can mimic the voices and personalities of late individuals, including celebrities. Through these representations, people can interact with their loved ones or iconic figures from the past, effectively blurring the lines between memory and presence. While such applications are not illegal, they inhabit a grey area of morality and ethics. This technology provides comfort to some by preserving memories and emotions, yet it remains highly controversial. Others argue that it may hinder the natural grieving process by preventing individuals from moving on. Moreover, cultural differences and personal beliefs intensify the debate, highlighting the sensitivity of the topic. Therefore, the ethical implications are vast, involving issues of consent, data privacy and emotional health. For a closer look at how AI is being used to revive memories of loved ones and celebrities, refer to this article.

Environmental Impact

A robot (AI) holding a flower — Generated with DALL·E 3

AI’s dual impact on the environment encapsulates both its potential benefits and its drawbacks. On one hand, AI technologies can be utilised to address critical issues such as climate change, wildlife conservation, and ocean health, aligning with the ethical principle of Sustainability. These applications demonstrate AI’s potential to positively contribute to our Earth and aid in the pursuit of a sustainable future. On the other hand, the training of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT presents significant environmental risks. The substantial energy consumption required to run and maintain these AI systems, along with the considerable CO2 emissions generated during their training, pose serious sustainability challenges. This considerable ecological footprint can sometimes contradict the potential environmental benefits of AI, highlighting the ethical principle of Environmental Responsibility. Therefore, the impact of AI on the environment remains an ongoing debate for now.

A judge and a robot in a court room — Generated with DALL·E 3

The rapid pace of AI development presents substantial challenges for law and governance. Legislatures around the world are grappling with how to regulate AI effectively, often lagging behind the technology’s capabilities. Existing laws often fail to address the nuances of AI, from intellectual property concerns in AI-generated content to liability in autonomous vehicle accidents. One of the significant issues is the global inconsistency in AI regulation, therefore without unified regulations, it can become difficult to enforce accountability, especially when AI systems operate across international borders.

Malevolent Uses of AI

Super hero AI robot vs super villain AI robot — Generated with DALL·E 3

Artificial intelligence, much like the characters in classic superhero stories, possesses the potential to be both a formidable ally and a daunting adversary. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various sectors of society, its capabilities for both beneficial and malevolent uses expand. The ethical implications of AI’s malevolent applications are significant, touching on the principles of Integrity and Non-maleficence.

One of the most pressing concerns is how AI can influence public opinion in elections. Tools such as deepfakes and voice changers can create highly convincing fake audio and video clips of political figures, potentially spreading misinformation and influencing voters’ decisions. This kind of manipulation and deception can pose a direct threat to the integrity of the democratic process.

Even more, when wielded by cybercriminals, AI becomes a tool for sophisticated social engineering attacks that cleverly manipulate human psychology to extract confidential information. These techniques include using AI for crafting intricate phishing schemes and impersonating others. For instance, voice synthesis AI can mimic a person’s voice so convincingly that it can be used to pose as family members or authority figures, soliciting fraudulent payments. Such misuse of AI not only results in financial losses for victims but also erodes trust in digital communication, fostering suspicion and fear.

Just as superheroes, who are often bound by a moral code to use their powers for good, AI too must be governed by strict ethical standards that prioritise the welfare of society. These standards are essential to harness AI’s potential while preventing its misuse, ensuring that it serves as a force for good rather than as a weapon against it.

As we stand on the brink of this transformative era, reactions vary — some might feel fearful and sceptical, while others might be excited about what the future might hold with the advancement of AI. It is our collective responsibility, whether we are developers, users, or policymakers, to uphold the highest ethical standards when it comes to AI. By doing so, we can mitigate any harmful aftereffects resulting from any individuals who might use AI for nefarious purposes.

I believe that with conscientious development and implementation of thoughtful policies and regulations, alongside a firm commitment to these ethical principles, we can ensure that AI becomes the hero in our story, not the villain we fear. This requires an ongoing dialogue about AI’s ethical implications and active engagement from all stakeholders. By uniting in this effort, we can harness AI’s potential responsibly, making it a tool for innovation that enriches and safeguards human lives.