Telstra has become the sixth organization in the world to join the UNESCO Business Council to promote the ethical use of AI technologies, and the first in Australia.
The operator explained in a statement that it would work with UNESCO and other members to support policy development in critical areas, such as data governance and diversity, with the aim of “defending and advancing the ethical development and application of AI.”
The organization’s recommendation on AI advocates that the technology be governed by values that promote human rights, dignity and environmental sustainability. The Business Council is also working on the development of an ethical impact assessment tool, as well as joint initiatives to ensure that AI serves the public good, the statement added.
Telstra group head of product and technology Kim Krogh Andersen said the aim of signing up was to translate the recommendation into “practical actions and tangible results”. He added that AI is a transformative technology with the potential to benefit societies around the world, but “requires very careful and deliberate management.”
Telstra said it had worked with the Federal Government to pilot and test AI ethics principles and had co-authored the Responsible AI Playbook with the GSMA.
Meanwhile, Australia’s largest mobile operator by subscribers last week revealed plans to reprioritize its climate change investments by withdrawing funds from purchasing carbon credits and instead decarbonization projects that will reduce its overall footprint.
Sustainability Manager Justine Rowe noted in her post that the move would result in additional savings over time as it would reduce its energy bills.
