The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, as articulated by Saida Belouali, highlights the need to move beyond simple principles towards concrete mechanisms to ensure the ethical development and deployment of AI. AI. Saida Belouali is Professor of AI Ethics at Mohammed Premier University and lead expert on the RAM exercise in Morocco.
The framework promotes the use of Readiness Assessment (RAM) methodology to facilitate the operationalization of ethical imperatives in AI practices.
The RAM is a key tool in this framework, enabling States to deploy and develop trustworthy AI. The framework is not just a set of principles but includes implementation mechanisms, ensuring that ethical imperatives are translated into practical actions.
Using RAM for Trustworthy AI:
The RAM provides qualitative and quantitative indicators to map a country’s AI ecosystem and assess its readiness.
It identifies strengths and areas requiring improvement, ensuring that ethical principles are integrated into the development and deployment of AI.
Operationalization and implementation:
- Operationalization involves the integration of principles and values into institutional and regulatory frameworks.
- RAM helps identify areas where ethical principles should be integrated, supporting the responsible development and use of AI.
Ethics and regulations:
- Ethical deliberation involves a human-centered assessment of risks, contextual elements, and existing regulations.
- Decisions are based on ethical principles and normative rules, ensuring that they comply with laws and shared community standards.
- Regulations are needed to complement ethical deliberations, addressing the legal dimension of AI governance.
Human-centered approach:
- Humans play a central role in risk assessment and decision-making, highlighting the importance of ethical and normative considerations.
- As described by philosopher Paul Ricoeur, ethical choices must conform to laws and institutional norms.
Balance between regulation and innovation:
- AI regulation must adapt to the rapid and unpredictable evolution of technology without stifling innovation.
- Responsible governance involves balancing innovation and regulation to preserve rights and freedoms.
- Countries must engage in ongoing debate and legislation to address new AI phenomena such as social scoring, facial recognition and intellectual property rights.
Global and societal impact:
- The rapid development of AI requires urgent and adaptive regulatory measures to mitigate societal risks.
- Countries must protect their geopolitical position and sovereignty by engaging in responsible and informed AI governance.
Towards balanced regulation:
- Regulators must develop measures that promote technological progress while respecting fundamental legal principles.
- The aim is to manage unintended consequences, protect citizens, ensure fair competition and preserve digital sovereignty.
- The complexity of AI requires regulators to be creative and adaptable in their approaches.
Commitment to responsible AI:
- Countries that follow the UNESCO recommendation develop and use AI ethically.
- Regular and continuous assessment and modification of regulatory mechanisms are essential to safeguard fundamental rights and promote the transparent progress of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics emphasizes a balanced approach to AI regulation, combining ethical imperatives with practical regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and trustworthy AI development . The RAM is a crucial tool in this process, guiding States in assessing and improving their AI preparedness while fostering global commitment to ethical AI practices.
Source: unesco
Image source: COPILOTE
