AI-Ethics Framework for Humanity and Sustainability: AI for Good perspective

Introduction

AI has been identified as the new electricity [6]. Data has been considered the oil for the digital economy. This is also considered the 4th industrial revolution. In this perspective, have we thought about the sustainability of the new electricity: AI?

When the steam engine was deployed in the 1st industry revolution and electricity was generated in the 2nd industrial revolution, sustainability had not been a concern. Humans' rush to economic advantages from the 1st and 2nd industrial revolutions caused a lot of problems in the long run such as climate change and related environmental and humanitarian crises [7]. By the time of retrospect and think about the sustainability of power and energy generation, it has caused significant damage to humanity. Therefore, we mustn't be making the same mistake in the 4th industrial revolution: AI.

As a solution to burning fossil fuel which caused climate change, renewable energy was introduced (which is also considered as part of the 4th industrial revolution). As a key enabler of renewable energy, the wind turbine was invented that transforms the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. With similar creativity in the wind turbine, can we find a sustainability model for AI?

A Wind-Turbine Conceptual Model for AI Ethics

AI governance is a complex process as by means AI has the autonomous decision-making capability. Consequently, AI can create fundamental risks in human dignity, human rights and human autonomy. Hence, AI ethics and governance must be realized from the very beginning where artificial intelligence is initiated by humans. Therefore AI ethics should be underpinned by human ethics.

We are presenting the following wind-turbine conceptual model as a trustworthy solution to AI ethics for sustainability, which is inspired by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement [2]. The wind turbine mainly consists of rotor blades, gearbox, generator and tail vane. To efficiently produce renewable energy, all those components play a unique role. As conceptualised in the following figure,

the rotor blades represent the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross [1]:

1. Humanity - prevent and alleviate human suffering
2. Impartiality - non-discrimination and proportionality
3. Neutrality- retain credibility by not taking sides
4. Independence - autonomy with respect to all powers
5. Voluntary service - disinterested relief movement
6. Unity - only one National Society per country
7. Universality - equal rights for all National Societies

Those principles make-sure that AI originated ethically for serving humanity. They can cultivate the moral values under utilitarianism and consequentialism related to AI process and outcome. The Red Cross facilitates these principles while performing a leading role slimier to the tail vane of the wind turbine. Similar to how the tail vane turns the rotor blades to the direction of the wind, the Red Cross leadership focuses on the humanitarian needs for driving the seven fundamental principles for serving humanity.

The Red Cross is a leader in mobilizing the power of volunteering [5] and partnerships [3] for humanity and sustainability. Further, the Red Cross has a well developed data and digital strategy [4] to complement volunteering and partnerships. Therefore, from the AI governance and transformation perspective, organizations and volunteers can work in collaboration with the Red Cross. The synergy between the Red Cross core competencies, volunteering and partnership can drive AI ethics for sustainability. Hence, volunteering and partnerships operate similar to a gearbox, which transfers the power of seven fundamental principles to society by capitalizing on ethical AI. The generator represents the capabilities of AI. Through AI ethics, AI can transform society for the better.

Conclusion

AI ethics is a growing concern that should be addressed genuinely and honestly. Due to the nature of AI, it is required to promote human ethics which underpins AI ethics. In this perspective, the Red Cross' seven fundamental principles lay a solid foundation to sustainable ethical AI from both consequentialism and utilitarianism viewpoints.

References

[1] The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

[2] The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement

[3] The Red Cross Partnerships

[4] The Red Cross Strategy 2030

[5] The Red Cross Volunteering

[6] Why AI Is the New Electricity

[7] The Industrial Revolution kick-started global warming much earlier than we realised