Telstra has joined a select group of global organizations to champion and advance the ethical development and application of AI.
Telstra is the first Australian organization, and the sixth globally, to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Business Council to promote the implementation of its recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence.
The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence advocates that AI technologies be governed by values that promote human rights, dignity and environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Telstra will work with UNESCO and other member organizations, such as Microsoft and Salesforce, to support policy development in critical areas such as data governance and diversity. The Business Council will also work to develop an ethical impact assessment tool, as well as joint initiatives to ensure AI serves the public good.
Kim Krogh Andersen, Group Head of Products and Technology at Telstra, says it’s about translating the recommendation into practical actions and tangible results.
“AI is a transformative technology that has the potential to benefit societies around the world – but it requires very careful and deliberate management,” said Krogh Anderson.
“We are proud to be the first Australian company to join the UNESCO Business Council and champion the increasingly critical cause of ethical and responsible AI.
“In such a rapidly evolving space, collaboration is non-negotiable. We must all support and learn from each other, to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that respects human rights, diversity and dignity.
“UNESCO and Telstra share a vision of a future where AI is driven by ethical principles that prioritize human well-being. This collaboration marks an important step towards realizing this future.
“We are pleased that Telstra has joined UNESCO in implementing the Recommendation. UNESCO is leading international efforts to build ethical, responsible and inclusive AI frameworks around the world, working with the governments of 50 countries, the G7, G20 and other international initiatives, and in particular with large global companies. Telstra’s presence on our Business Council will support our speed, depth and reach,” said Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences.
This new partnership builds on Telstra’s strong history of leadership in responsible AI, both locally and internationally, working with the Australian Government to pilot and test the Australian AI Ethics Principles, and co-authoring the Responsible AI Handbook with the GSMA.
Across its business, Telstra applies and continually refines a Responsible AI policy that combines policy, educational, advisory and specific risk management controls, enabling it to adopt AI responsibly for the benefit of customers and employees.
CT Office
