The Ethical Dimension of Emerging Technologies
Ethics, fundamentally, deals with moral values and codes of conduct within societies and social groups. Traditionally, ethical considerations have permeated various human domains such as politics and business. However, in the 1970s, this influence expanded significantly into healthcare, medicine, biological research, biotechnology, and environmental issues. This expansion gave birth to bioethics, which addresses critical concerns like organ donation and transplantation, genetic research, assisted dying, and environmental conservation.
Today, as we confront the challenges posed by emerging technologies, we face new ethical risks such as various forms of bias, lack of transparency, addiction, information bubbles, social manipulation, and threats to democracies, which are evident in elections worldwide.
Addressing Ethical Challenges in AI and Emerging Technologies
Recent years have seen the development of ethical frameworks and legislation specifically tailored to AI and other emerging technologies. These frameworks aim to translate ethical theories into actionable steps for creating responsible technologies. However, the key questions now arise: What are the fundamental principles of these frameworks? How can we effectively implement them, and what types of competencies are required to do so?
These questions are crucial as we endeavor to balance technological advancement with ethical responsibility. Ensuring that progress benefits society while safeguarding fundamental values and rights is a delicate balancing act.
European Business and IT Professionals Utilise AI with Limited Organisational Training
A recent ISACA study highlights a critical issue: European business and IT professionals are increasingly utilizing AI with limited organizational training. This gap in training can lead to significant ethical and cybersecurity challenges. Without proper training, professionals may inadvertently deploy AI systems that are biased, lack transparency, or are vulnerable to cyber threats. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive training programs that encompass both technical and ethical dimensions of AI. This aligns with the importance of integrating ethical and trust considerations into the development and deployment of AI technologies. A professional way to handle these issues is offered by auditing tools such as the AI Audit Toolkit by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to evaluate the ethical and technical aspects of AI implementations including guidelines for assessing compliance with ethical frameworks, identifying biases, and ensuring transparency.
The Trust Gap: Companies Value Digital Trust but Little Progress is Being Made to Implement It
Another significant issue is the trust gap in digital technologies. According to an ISACA report, while companies value digital trust, there is little progress in implementing it. This gap can undermine the effectiveness of both cybersecurity measures and ethical frameworks. Building digital trust requires a holistic approach that integrates ethical principles into all aspects of technology development and deployment, as stated in the ISACA paper “Using the Digital Trust Ecosystem Framework to Achieve Trustworthy AI.” This includes transparent communication, robust security measures, and a commitment to ethical standards.
As we navigate an era where technology profoundly impacts every aspect of life, it is essential to integrate ethical considerations into our approach to cybersecurity. In this context, the upcoming ISACA Europe Conference 2024 on October 23 – 25 will explore these issues in depth, providing a platform for experts and practitioners to share insights and strategies. Presentations will explore how digital trust and ethical frameworks can inform the development and deployment of emerging technologies, drawing on lessons from bioethics and recent developments in AI ethics. Among the speakers, author Pablo Ballarin will be presenting a session titled “Ethics, Dilemmas, and Digital Trust with AI.”
For more information on the ISACA Europe Conference 2024 and to register, visit ISACA Europe Conference.
About the Author
Pablo Ballarín, who is active in the ISACA Emerging Trends Working Group, is an experienced cybersecurity professional with over 25 years in the field, specializing in information security, risk management, and compliance. Pablo has extensive experience in working with global organizations, including telecommunications companies, public agencies, retailers and financial institutions. He is a recognized speaker and educator in cybersecurity, holding different industry certifications, and frequently appears on different Spanish media discussing the challenges of technology and its impact on society.
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