Does AI Ethics Need to Be Complex and Burdensome for AI-Driven Companies?

The Golden Rule: A Timeless Guiding Principle

The golden rule—“Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you”—has been a cornerstone of ethical thinking for centuries. From Jesus Christ, through Immanuel Kant, to John Rawls, it remains a universal moral norm that can guide ethical decision-making.

But what does this mean for AI Ethics?

In essence, much of AI Ethics boils down to addressing the moral and ethical challenges posed by one key factor: the amplification of agency for those who wield AI systems. This concept, coined by Luciano Floridi as “agency on tap,” highlights the disproportionate power and knowledge held by individuals or organizations that develop and deploy AI systems.

Why “Agency on Tap” Matters

AI systems provide their users with enhanced capabilities—whether through deeper insights, predictive analytics, or automation. This increased agency and power introduces ethical risks because, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. If left unchecked, this power can be abused, leading to harm for customers, employees, and other stakeholders.

How to Address AI Ethics in Your Organization

Here’s a straightforward, actionable framework to integrate ethical principles into your AI development and use:

1. Evaluate Your Agency and Power
   Reflect on how the AI systems you build or use amplify your agency. Consider their potential impact on your customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
2. Shift Perspectives
   Imagine yourself as the recipient of these systems’ effects. Ask yourself:
   • What would I dislike if I were on the receiving end of this power?
   • What risks would I consider unacceptable?
3. List Unacceptable Actions
   Write down the practices or uses of AI that could harm others, violate trust, or infringe on rights.
4. Avoid These Practices
   Commit to avoiding the listed actions when wielding AI systems.
5. Draft an Ethical AI Policy
   Formalize the insights from the previous steps into a clear, actionable policy for your organization.
6. Operationalize the Policy
   Implement the policy across your organization, ensuring it is integrated into workflows, decision-making processes, and employee training.

Balancing Simplicity and ComplexityAI Ethics can be both simple and challenging. It’s simple because rational self-reflection and open dialogue can yield clear guidelines for what shouldn’t be done. It’s challenging because implementing and operationalizing these principles requires commitment, especially in organizations that vary in size, priorities, and stages of growth.Key Takeaways

• Ethical AI use starts with recognizing the amplified power and agency AI provides and the responsibility it entails.
• By following the golden rule, organizations can craft ethical guidelines that resonate with stakeholders.
• Operationalizing these principles is where the real work lies, but it is essential for building trust and accountability in AI-driven businesses.

For more insights on ethical AI practices and governance contact with experts from Jabłoński Koźmiński and Partners law firm and WhiteBison.io