Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly advancing technology that has the potential to and is already transforming many aspects of our lives, from healthcare to transportation to education.

Governments encounter significant challenges in legislating the use of AI due to the evolving nature of technology and its potential impact on society. One major concern is the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement. While it offers the potential to identify criminals easily, it raises issues related to privacy, bias, and accuracy.

The 2018 study by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology revealed higher error rates for people with darker skin tones and women, leading to false identifications and wrongful arrests. This creates a dilemma for lawmakers as they strive to balance the benefits of AI in crime prevention with the protection of civil liberties. Moreover, the global nature of AI requires governments to not only regulate within their borders but also develop defences against its potential use as a weapon by enemy states, emphasising the complex and multifaceted nature of AI governance.

Regulating AI presents several challenges. The rapid evolution of AI technology can render regulations quickly outdated or ineffective, raising concerns about balancing innovation with safety and ethics. Additionally, the lack of standardisation and coordination across countries may result in regulatory fragmentation. An example is the 2021 European Union proposal, criticised for being too broad and potentially hindering innovation. The overarching challenge lies in creating rules that harness the societal benefits of AI while preventing unforeseen negative outcomes. This complexity is further highlighted by incidents like Facebook's AI-powered chatbot, underscoring the need for continuous research and understanding of AI system interactions to inform effective regulation.