AI Ethics: Responsibilities Shaping the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a rapidly developing technology in recent years, leading to revolutionary changes in many areas of our lives. AI systems, used in various fields from healthcare to education, financial services to the transportation sector, have the potential to increase efficiency, improve decision-making processes, and create new opportunities. However, alongside the opportunities offered by this powerful technology, its ethical use has also gained significant importance. The impacts of AI applications on society are not limited to technical successes; they also bring up deep ethical issues such as human rights, justice, discrimination, and privacy. Particularly, the integration of AI systems into decision-making processes raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. Elements such as user rights, the protection of individuals’ personal data, and the right to know how this data is used are becoming increasingly important in today’s digital world.

Moreover, the self-learning and development capabilities of AI make it difficult to predict potential side effects, further complicating ethical issues. Therefore, ethical principles must be considered at every stage, from the design to the implementation of AI. In this context, AI ethics becomes a responsibility not only for technology developers and researchers but also for all stakeholders using this technology. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the ethical use of AI systems, examining key issues such as information and data security, user rights, transparency, and accountability in depth. Our aim is to understand the societal impacts of AI and discuss the necessary ethical principles to guide these impacts positively. In this framework, we will seek answers to the question of how AI technology can be used in the best way for humanity.

One of the most important issues: Data Security 

AI systems typically use large datasets, and if the security of these data is not ensured, personal information can fall into the hands of malicious individuals. For example, Epic Systems has developed an AI application that analyzes patient data in the healthcare sector. However, it is crucial that this data is encrypted and accessible only by authorized persons. In an incident in 2020, a healthcare organization’s AI-based system experienced a data breach, putting the information of over 10,000 patients at risk. Such incidents question the reliability of AI and highlight the importance of data security once again.

Is the Information We Access Really Accurate?

The accuracy of AI systems is directly dependent on the inputs provided by the user. Users may encounter misleading results when they give vague or incorrect commands. Amazon’s AI application for customer service can provide more effective answers when asked a clear question like “What are the steps to return my product?” instead of a vague question like “How can I make a return?”. For example, Booking.com, improves user experience by offering accurate and appropriate options when users ask a specific question like “A 5-star hotel by the sea”.

Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency in the decision-making processes of AI is also a critical issue. Users should understand how AI systems work, what data they use, and the criteria on which they base their decisions. For example, Unilever has made the algorithm and criteria used by its AI system in recruitment processes clear, ensuring that candidates feel more secure in this process.

Establishing Ethical Standards: It is vital to establish ethical standards to reduce the negative impacts of AI on society. ZestFinance must guarantee that its AI system used in evaluating credit applications does not discriminate and examines all applications under equal conditions. For this, the system must be regularly audited and evaluated by independent organizations.

Example Application: FICO must prove that its credit evaluation system is not biased against certain ethnic groups or genders. Controlling such systems with independent audits increases user trust.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Adopting an ethical approach in the use of artificial intelligence is critically important for individuals and society. Alongside the opportunities provided by AI, it is also extremely important to use this technology responsibly. By carefully using this technology in areas such as data security, access to information, and transparency, we can create a sustainable digital world.

Recommendations:

1. Education and Awareness: AI users need to be educated about the ethical use of these technologies. Institutions should provide regular training to their employees on the ethical aspects of AI.
2. Audit Mechanisms: Regular audits of AI systems by independent organizations are important for detecting potential discriminations and errors.
3. Transparent Reporting: Reports that users can understand about how AI applications work should be prepared and made public.
4. Policy Development: Governments and organizations should develop ethical standards and policies regarding the use of AI. These policies are vital for protecting user rights and reducing the impacts of AI applications on society.
5. Collaboration and Innovation: Collaboration between technology companies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations should be encouraged to develop best practices related to the ethical use of AI.

To maximize the potential of AI, ethical and responsible use must always be prioritized. In this way, a fairer, more transparent, and sustainable digital future can be made possible.

Author: Doç. Dr. Mesut ÖZTIRAK - Academician/HR Consultant - Istanbul Medipol University & Bahçeşehir University