The urgency of an algorethics and A.I. Race Leads Tech Giants to Take Ethics Risks

 Abstract

For this week’s Learning Journal, I found two sources about AI(Artificial Intelligence) from the LIRN (Library and Information Resources Network), “The urgency of an algorethics” by Paolo Benanti and “A.I. Race Leads Tech Giants to Take Ethics Risks” by Nico Grant and Karen Weise. Both two articles are discussing about Ethics Risks of AI development. The development of AI has led to a race among tech giants to become leaders in this field. This competition has undoubtedly motivated these companies to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, leading to new and innovative products and services. However, this race may also lead to some companies taking risks with ethical considerations in order to gain a competitive advantage.

One example of this is the use of facial recognition technology, which has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Some tech giants have been criticized for developing and deploying this technology without fully considering its potential negative impact on society. Another example is the use of AI in hiring processes. While this technology has the potential to make the hiring process more efficient, it may also perpetuate biases and discrimination if not developed and deployed in an ethical manner. Therefore, it's crucial for tech giants and other companies developing AI to prioritize ethics and responsible innovation. It's essential to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that promotes social good and avoids harm to individuals and communities. Governments and regulatory bodies can also play an essential role in setting ethical standards and guidelines for the development and deployment of AI.

The Urgency of An Algorethics

The article "The urgency of an algorithmic ethics" by Paolo Benanti reflects on the role of religions in shaping a world where AI is developed ethically and focuses on the interfaith perspective in addressing the challenges posed by AI. The author argues that human beings have always lived in a techno-human condition, which refers to the interaction with the environment through tools and technological artifacts. This condition is what sets humans apart from other animals and allows them to transcend their biological limitations. The article also highlights that technology is a sign of human surplus and that it is through technological artifacts that humans have become a global phenomenon. However, the author emphasizes the need for an algorithmic ethics that ensures the responsible development and use of AI, which is becoming increasingly present in our daily lives. The Rome Call for AI Ethics, signed by tech companies, governments, and religious leaders, commits signatories to follow principles of transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality, reliability, security, and privacy. The author suggests that an interfaith approach to AI ethics could provide guidance for humanity's search for meaning in the new era of AI.

In addition, the evolution of language technology has had a profound impact on human history. The development of spoken language allowed humans to communicate with one another and share ideas, leading to the development of cultures and civilizations. The emergence of written language enabled humans to record their ideas and thoughts, creating a permanent record of knowledge that could be passed down from generation to generation. Over time, the written language evolved, and new technologies were developed to make it easier to reproduce and distribute written works. The printing press, invented in the 15th century, revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making it possible to produce books and other written materials on a large scale. This development had a significant impact on the spread of ideas and information and paved the way for the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. As the written language evolved, so did the tools used to analyze and interpret it. The development of computers and AI has led to the creation of new forms of language technology, such as machine translation, natural language processing, and speech recognition. These tools have made it easier to communicate across linguistic barriers and have opened up new possibilities for research and innovation. The evolution of language technology has also had social and cultural implications. The way we communicate and the language we use reflects our cultural norms and values. As new forms of technology emerge, they can challenge traditional ways of communicating and lead to new forms of cultural expression.

Moreover, the passage discusses the revolutionary impact of computers and information technology on human society and its capabilities. It highlights the two major events that were made possible by the advent of computers - landing on the moon and the creation of the atomic bomb. The author emphasizes that the ability to solve complex mathematical equations using computers made these events possible. However, the passage also warns of the risks and limitations associated with the use of technology. The author argues that an ethical approach is needed to ensure responsible use of technology and its benefits. The passage also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by the development of artificial intelligence and the increasing role of machines in human society.

A.I. Race Leads Tech Giants to Take Ethics Risks

The article discusses the ethics risks posed by the race among tech giants like Google and Microsoft to develop generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) technology, which is behind powerful chatbots. The aggressive moves by these companies to develop and release chatbots were driven by a race to control the next big thing in technology. However, some employees and ethicists within the companies raised concerns that the A.I. technology behind these chatbots could generate inaccurate and dangerous statements, flood social media with disinformation, degrade critical thinking, and erode the factual foundation of modern society. Despite these concerns, the companies released their chatbots anyway. The article also highlights the tensions between the industry's worriers and risk-takers regarding the safety and ethical implications of A.I. technology. Regulators are already threatening to intervene, and some have proposed legislation to regulate A.I. development.

Synthesis

The two articles both discuss the potential ethics risks of AI development. The development of AI has led to a race among tech giants to become leaders in this field, which has led to some companies taking risks with ethical considerations to gain a competitive advantage. Examples of this include the use of facial recognition technology and AI in hiring processes, which could perpetuate biases and discrimination if not developed and deployed in an ethical manner. The article by Benanti emphasizes the need for an algorithmic ethics that ensures the responsible development and use of AI, while the article by Grant and Weise highlights the tensions between the industry's worriers and risk-takers regarding the safety and ethical implications of A.I. technology. The articles both suggest that prioritizing ethics and responsible innovation is crucial to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that promotes social good and avoids harm to individuals and communities. Governments and regulatory bodies can also play an essential role in setting ethical standards and guidelines for the development and deployment of AI. Overall, the articles emphasize the need for an ethical approach to ensure responsible use of technology and its benefits.

I do agree that as AI technology becomes more advanced and ubiquitous, it is essential that we prioritize ethics and responsible innovation in its development and use. AI has the potential to bring about significant benefits to society, but it also poses many risks and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that it is used for the greater good. However, it is not such a thing just tell people “Hey, do not break the rule!”. Prioritizing ethics in AI means considering the potential impacts of AI systems on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed and used in a way that respects human rights, promotes fairness and equality, and does not reinforce or exacerbate existing biases and discrimination. Responsible innovation in AI also requires transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement throughout the development process. This means involving diverse stakeholders, including experts in ethics, social sciences, and humanities, in the design and development of AI systems to ensure that they are aligned with social values and goals.

In short, prioritizing ethics and responsible innovation in AI is crucial for ensuring that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole and avoids harm to individuals and communities. It is important for all stakeholders involved in AI development and deployment to take this responsibility seriously and work together to ensure that AI is used for the greater good.

Reference

Benanti, P. (2023). The urgency of an algorethics. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 3(1), NA. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A743341715/AONE?u=lirn17237&sid=sru&xid=4f9e07e2

Grant, N., & Weise, K. (2023, April 8). A.I. Race Leads Tech Giants to Take Ethics Risks. New York Times, A1(L). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A744673764/PPVC?u=lirn17237&sid=sru&xid=57e27f56