Bringing AI Ethics to R&D: Nick Meehan, BayCHI Program
Channel: BayCHI, San Francisco Bay Area ACM SIGCHI
Date: 18/06/2022

Full title of talk:
Bringing AI Ethics to R&D - PARCs fledgling AI Ethics Board, how we got here and what we hope it becomes.

May 14, 2019
https://baychi.org/calendar/20190514/
As machine learning and AI systems gain greater capabilities and are deployed more widely, we as designers, developers and researchers must consider both the positive and negative implications of their use. In light of this, PARC's researchers recognize the need to be vigilant against the potential for harm caused by artificial intelligence through intentional or inadvertent discrimination, unjust treatment, or physical danger that might occur against individuals or groups of people. Because AI-supported, and autonomous decision making has the potential for widespread negative personal, social, and environmental effects, we aim to take a proactive stance to uphold human rights, respect individuals’ privacy, protect personal data, and enable freedom of expression and equality.

Technology is not inherently neutral and reflects decisions and trade-offs made by the designers, researchers and engineers developing it and using it in their work. Datasets often reflect historical biases. AI technologies that hire people, evaluate their job performance, deliver their healthcare, and mete out penalties are obvious examples of possible areas for systematic algorithmic errors that result in unfair or unjust treatment. Because nearly all technology includes trade-offs and embodies the values and judgments of the people creating it, it is imperative that researchers are aware of the value judgments they make and are transparent about them with all stakeholders involved.

The founding members will share with you their ideas and the process of PARC's AI Ethics.