Embracing Ethical Innovation Adapting to the EU AI Act

In light of the EU AI Act and its prohibition on AI systems designed to exploit user vulnerabilities, here is my advisory guideline revealing the mind-set to embrace for you in your role as a value chain stakeholder, be it a data analyst, AI developer or the CEO of an AI business to ensure that your business is not entrenched in #nonethical AI practices.

On Wednesday, the 13th March 2024, EU Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act that ensures safety and compliance with fundamental rights, while boosting innovation.

Source : Artificial Intelligence Act: MEPs adopt landmark law

The key takeaways :

• Safeguards on general purpose artificial intelligence
• Limits on the use of biometric identification systems by law enforcement
• Bans on social scoring and AI used to manipulate or exploit user vulnerabilities
• Right of consumers to launch complaints and receive meaningful explanations

My attention was instantly draw to the point about ban on social scoring and AI used for manipulating or exploiting user vulnerabilities.

In light of the EU AI Act and its prohibition on social scoring or AI systems designed to exploit user vulnerabilities, I wondered on how the EU AI Act impacts AI systems which are categorized as systems for social scoring or AI systems manipulating or exploiting user vulnerability.

Let us understand more

What is an AI System that is used for social scoring or is used to manipulate or exploit user vulnerability?

Imagine, a private company that develops a social scoring app that rates individuals based on their social media activity thereby profiling employees on their eligibility for loans or higher promotion opportunities.

OR

Imagine, a education institute that installs cameras equipped with emotion recognition software to monitor students' reactions during lectures that infringes on their privacy and psychological well-being.

OR

Imagine a corporation that implements an emotion recognition AI system in its offices to track employees' emotional states and productivity levels

OR

Imagine the influence of AI technology like deepfakes,? commonly used social media manipulation bots or the most widely used social media platforms usage of advertisement targeting algorithms.?

These examples of innovations are undoubtedly powerful and industry justified aren't they? Is it not the situation that such a justification allows the #business to exploit or manipulate using AI Systems? Does this not need to be regulated ? Is such a business justified is not protecting the fundamental right, democracy, or the rule of law ? So, many more questions and ethical concerns as one starts to reflect upon...what has empowered AI technology like deep fake and social media manipulation bots or who has the authority to deceive users to actions?

Thinking aloud, I pondered if we as #valuechain stakeholders, do we really have a solution to one such problem like "Deep fake" ? Does there exist a formula for me as a end user to even differentiate a deep fake Vs real content?

I inquired of an AI expert & a data scientist: “What are the characteristics of a deep fake and is there any checklist to differentiate between deep fake Vs real content?"

The answer is not straightforward!

Some experts like data scientists can to a certain extent differentiate deep fakes but there is no real checklist as of date!

Conclusively, the use of such AI systems which manipulate and exploit user vulnerabilities are a matter of great concern. The EU AI Act has been the result of this urgency to act and ensure ethical scrutiny and regulatory intervention.

Like me, I hope the torchbearers of #responsibleAI welcome and embrace the enactment of the EU AI Act, as an imperative transformation for businesses operating in AI space to recalibrate their strategies.

You, me and each one of us as torchbearers of #responsibleAI in compliance will the EU AI Act are slowing and gradually moving towards embracing this new era of responsible innovation.

Is this the promise of a future where one does not fear the shadow of the #unknown practice of exploitative AI? Are we not waiting to welcome this #change ? Ready to say goodbye to the era of unchecked manipulation and exploitation!

Together, as responsible stewards of innovation, let us embrace the challenge and opportunity before us.

Conclusion

The approval of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act marks a significant step towards ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. By prohibiting the use of AI systems designed to exploit user vulnerabilities and manipulate social scoring, the EU is setting a precedent for #ethical AI practices globally.

As stakeholders in the AI value chain, irrespective of the role you play, let us embrace this legislation as an opportunity to prioritize ethical considerations in our work. The examples I have illustrated above are some scenarios as potential misuse of AI technologies and the undesirable and inappropriate impact they can have on individuals' rights and well-being.

While the rapid advancement of AI technology presents exciting opportunities, it also poses ethical challenges that cannot be ignored. The EU AI Act provides a framework for addressing these challenges and ensuring that innovation occurs within ethical boundaries. As we move forward, let us collectively engage in dialogue and reflection on how the EU AI Act shapes the future of AI innovation. Your thoughts and perspectives are crucial in shaping the ongoing discourse on responsible AI. I encourage you to share your views and opinions on how the EU AI Act contributes to the prevention of exploitative AI systems and fosters a more ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem. Together, let us embrace this transformative moment in AI regulation and work towards a future where innovation is not only groundbreaking but also responsible and ethical.

Thank you for joining me in today's edition in this week's exploration towards a more equitable and transparent AI landscape.

Your views, comments and feedback are welcome and appreciated.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are my own analysis based on the source of information shared in this edition. The information provided is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a source of legal advice.