Ethical AI The risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence

With the exponential advancement of technology comes incredible opportunity—improved health and wellbeing, more convenience, better access to information, and the potential for better working and living conditions overall. But on the other hand, the dystopian vision of our future robot rulers feels deeply unsettling—where Big Brother is watching and technology becomes a tyrant rather than a tool. So when it comes to technological advancement in general and artificial intelligence in particular, what are the ethical considerations?  What governance should we put into place to guard against risks and responsibly wield the power of AI? What implications does this have for developers of technology, business leaders, governments, and society as a whole? These are the questions  Dr. Mark Esposito considers in his academic research as well as his own business ventures, and ones he explores with  Hult  students in the classroom. Among his other entrepreneurial and academic ventures, Mark  is the co-founder of the artificial intelligence studio  Nexus Frontier Tech  and professor of Business Economics at Hult. We asked him a few key questions to better understand what individuals, organizations, and governments should think about in order to progress  ethically in a world of big data and AI. Hult Professor Dr. Mark Esposito is a socioeconomic strategist and bestselling author, researching megatrends, business model innovations, and competitiveness. While the idea of interacting with androids might seem a long way off, in what practical applications of AI today should we be thinking about ethics? First, do no harm.  This is the vow of doctors take when it comes to ethical patient care—a form of the ancient Hippocratic Oath. However, as a doctor, there will be scenarios where, unfortunately, something goes wrong. A patient may become more unwell or die as a result of a doctors decision or misdiagnosis. Excitingly, AI is stepping in and showing promise when it comes to medicine. By using artificial intelligence to analyze data related to things like symptoms, medications, and medical history, machines are now able to make a diagnosis and determine potential treatment options in ways that are often more accurate and efficient than human doctors. But its important to  remember that our attempts to automate and reproduce intelligence are not deterministic—they are probabilistic. And that means theyre also subject to issues and experiential biases that shape all other kinds of intelligence. So while AI is showing promise as a tool for supporting and strengthening doctors’ decision-making, there are risks and ethical considerations. Just as with doctors, if you give AI  power in decision-making along with the power of analysis, at some point it will more than likely be implicated in a patient’s death. If so, is that the responsibility of the doctor relying on AI? The hospital? The engineer behind the technology? The corporation selling it? Similar considerations are relevant to things like autonomous vehicles. Who is morally responsible when something goes wrong?   So, how do we determine where responsibility or accountability lie? Whats the role of humans in the AI decision-making process? AI-analysis is a powerful tool. And of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Answers to such questions depend on how the governance is arranged—whether or not a doctor is at the end of each AI-provided analysis and the relative weight given to AI-driven insights or predictions.  In short, the buffers between the AI and the outcome. The first question around building accountability is how to keep humans in the decision loop of processes made more autonomous through AI. The next stage needs to preserve accountability in the right to understanding. That means  knowing why an algorithm made one decision instead of another. The challenge facing ethical AI is designing a clear and concise roadmap, for those who employ it, those who use it, and those affected by it. The purpose of such a roadmap is not only to understand when and how AI is used, but to help improve understanding of AI’s personal, psychological, and social consequences. The challenge facing ethical AI is designing a clear and concise roadmap, for those who employ it, those who use it, and those affected by it. The ethics around data collection and usage has been a big news story this year. What do we need to think about when it comes to AI and our data as citizens and consumers? The benefits of AI are making many of our choices easier and more convenient, and in so doing, tightening competition in the space of customer choice. As this evolution happens, the question is less to what extent is AI  framing our choices, but rather, how is it  shaping them. In such a world, we need to understand when our behavior is being shaped, and by whom. Clearly, most of us are quite comfortable living in a world where our choices are already being shaped by AI. From search engines to smooth traffic flow, many of our daily conveniences are built on the speed provided by the backend. The question we need to ask ourselves when considering AI and its governance is whether we are comfortable living in a world where we do not know if—and how—we are being influenced.  This influence could be on everything from what we buy to how we vote. With that in mind, what are businesses and governments doing now when it comes to data and AI governance? What more needs to be done? In Europe, the recent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) gives us a right to an explanation about when and how our data is being collected and a better means of being informed about the use of that data. Governing data is essential, as is being informed, and as is providing a right to an explanation. However, this isnt enough. The unfortunate truth is that no regulation by itself will be sufficient to either govern or maintain effective governance of how our data is used. The degree to which that regulation would have to be updated to maintain pace with emerging innovation is a dilemma in itself. Going forward, politicians, coders, and philosophers certainly have their work cut out for them. Going forward, politicians, coders, and philosophers certainly have their work cut out for them. Read more on the topic of ethical AI from Mark and his colleagues: Designing a roadmap to ethical AI in government The AI Governance of AI What Governments Need to Understand About Ethical AI Interested in finding out more about Hult’s future-focused programs and how disruptive tech is built into your degree?  Download a brochure. Grow your leadership capabilities with an MBA in international business at Hult. To learn more, take a look at our blog The importance of authenticity and decision-making in leadership, or give your career a boost with our Masters in International Business. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself. Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .