The Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence, commonly called AI, is becoming part of everyday life. We now use AI-powered tools to write, search for information, translate languages, create images, analyse information and perform many other tasks. AI also has potential uses in areas such as education and healthcare.
But as AI becomes more common, an important question must be asked: How do we use it responsibly?
Ethical use of AI simply means using artificial intelligence in ways that respect human rights, protect people’s dignity and privacy, promote fairness, and reduce the risk of harm. These principles are reflected in UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by its Member States in 2021.
AI Should Help, Not Harm
AI can provide useful support to people and organisations. However, UNESCO warns that AI systems can also reproduce or amplify existing biases, create risks to human rights and cause other forms of harm. Its ethical framework therefore includes the principle of “do no harm” and calls for risks to be assessed and addressed.
This means that we should not use AI simply because a tool is available. We should consider what it is being used for, who may be affected and what risks could arise.
Protect People’s Privacy
AI systems can involve the collection and use of large amounts of data, some of which may be personal information.
Privacy should therefore remain an important consideration when using AI. UNESCO states that the right to privacy and data protection should be protected throughout the AI lifecycle. For individuals and organisations, this means thinking carefully before entering personal or confidential information into an AI system. Convenience should not automatically come before people’s privacy.
Do Not Assume AI Is Always Correct
AI systems can have limitations. The OECD’s AI Principles emphasise the importance of making people aware of AI systems’ capabilities and limitations, while UNESCO calls for human oversight and accountability.
This is particularly important when AI is used in situations that can significantly affect people’s lives. AI can assist with information and tasks, but important decisions should not simply be handed over to a machine without appropriate human involvement.
UNESCO specifically states that AI systems should not displace ultimate human responsibility and accountability.
Be Honest and Transparent
Ethical AI also requires transparency. People should, where appropriate, know when they are interacting with AI or when AI has been involved in a decision or service that affects them. The OECD’s AI Principles call for transparency and responsible disclosure, including providing information that helps people understand AI systems and their limitations.
Transparency helps people make informed decisions and understand when they may need to question or challenge an AI-generated result.
Think About Bias and Fairness
AI does not automatically remove human bias. UNESCO notes that AI systems can reproduce and amplify existing biases and discrimination. Its ethical framework therefore promotes fairness, non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion.
For example, if an organisation uses AI to support recruitment, education or the delivery of services, it should consider whether the system could produce unfair outcomes for particular groups. Technology should not become a new way of excluding people.
AI Needs Human Responsibility
Ethical AI is not only the responsibility of technology companies or computer experts. Everyone who uses AI has a role to play.
Students, teachers, employees, businesses, governments, NGOs and individuals all need to think about how they use these tools and the possible effects of their choices.
AI is a tool and Its impact depends partly on how people design, deploy and use it. As it continues to develop, we should not focus only on what it can do. We should also ask what it should do, who may be affected and what safeguards are needed. Responsible use of AI means putting people at the centre of technological progress. The future of AI should not only be about making technology more powerful; it should also be about making its use more responsible, fair, transparent and respectful of human dignity.
