Artificial intelligence (AI), and specifically the ethics surrounding it, continues to be a hot topic. A recent ISACA “Ask Me Anything” discussion with Pablo Ballarin, a distinguished cybersecurity professional with over 25 years in the field, specializing in information security, risk management, and AI ethics, explored the complexities around the ethical use of AI.
The Ask Me Anything discussion, which took place on ISACA’s Engage online community, delved into the ethical concerns around AI, as well as practical applications and solutions.
One theme explored during the discussion is that AI is a human creation, and we must consider the ethics of AI in a society where AI coexists with humans. “AI should not be seen as something separate from humanity,” wrote Ballarin as part of the discussion. “It’s a creation born from human needs, much like any other technological advancement. Society has driven AI’s development, and, in turn, AI has a profound impact on society.”
Several discussion questions centered on the complexity of ethics, and how cultural relativity plays a role in ethical principles varying greatly across regions. “Perceptions of ethical AI aren’t uniform – they’re shaped significantly by each region’s unique cultural, social, and geopolitical context,” wrote Ballarin. “AI ethics is not only about universal principles but also about how those principles are adapted within different societal contexts.”
Ballarin noted that it’s essential to incorporate diverse perspectives and foster open discussions to effectively address nuanced dilemmas that can’t always be solved by algorithms alone. “By bringing together multiple viewpoints, we can work towards AI implementations that prioritize responsibility and ethical integrity,” he wrote.
Another theme throughout the discussion was the need for cross-border regulations. “For AI regulations to be effective, they should indeed be cross-border and address critical risks such as misinformation, political manipulation, and the social and environmental costs of AI,” wrote Ballarin. “Otherwise, regulations will miss essential aspects of the ethical landscape surrounding AI.”
Catch up on the entire Ask Me Anything thread on Engage here. Submit topic and guest ideas for upcoming Ask Me Anything sessions to volunteer@isaca.org.
For a more in-depth look into AI ethics, find out about ISACA’s training course on the topic.
