Think Tank: is your company considering the ethics of AI?

* 1. At a workplace conference last year Neil Steele of Asure Software stressed how sensor technology would only become increasingly popular. But he added that while “sensor-based data collection” was “in and accepted” – the worker's “perception [of it] is crucial to its successful adoption in the workplace”.
 
Even so, a lot of debate surrounds this. A recent report said that while companies are preparing for increased use of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, a discussion of the ethics of using these technologies is lagging behind. For instance, a Forbes article stated “that even simple errors in using data can create algorithms that generate sexist or racist outcomes” and that more work needed to be done within companies to raise “awareness of best practices in choosing data and creating algorithms to avoid introducing biases”. AI use needed to tie in with a company’s corporate social responsibilities and in how it cultivates trust and transparency.
 
The report by Genesys stated that nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of the employers surveyed expect their companies to be using AI or advanced automation by 2022 to support efficiency in operations, staffing, budgeting or performance, although only 25 per cent use it now. Yet in spite of the growing trend, 54 per cent of employers questioned said they are not troubled that AI could be used unethically by their companies as a whole or by individual employees (52 per cent).
 
In light of this, this month we are asking if ethics is something your company has considered when enacting AI and IoT policies within the workplace? If not, why not? If yes, what has been the result? 
 
If you have any other comments related to the questions above, please email news editor, Herpreet Kaur Grewal, here: newsdesk@facilitatemagazine.com