The Role of Ethics in AI

By: Jada Jones , Class of 2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, from recommendation systems and virtual assistants to hiring tools, etc. While AI has a lot of potential, its growing influence on decisions that affect people and organizations makes ethics a critical consideration in how these systems should be designed and used.  

According to the SAP, AI ethics can be referred to as “the principles that guide how AI systems are developed, deployed and used in ways that respect human values, fairness and societal well-being" (SAP). It ensures that AI delivers innovation but also protects individuals and organizations from harm. 

Why Ethics Matter in AI 

Ethics are essential in AI to ensure that systems align with human values and avoid causing unintended harm. Ethical AI is a core component of Responsible AI. Responsible AI refers to embedding ethical principles directly into the design, development, and deployment of AI systems. This approach is important because it evaluates not only technical performance, but also the broader social and ethical impact of AI technology. 

Guiding Principles for Ethical AI 

• Fairness and non-discrimination: ensuring AI results do not unfairly disadvantage any group and help reduce bias. 

• Explainability: Making AI decisions understandable to all users and stakeholders. 

• Transparency: Organizations/individuals/etc. must be open about how models are trained and what data they use. 

• Privacy: AI systems should protect personal data and uphold user rights. 

Ethics and Business Value 

Ethical AI is not only a social responsibility, but it can also be a strategic advantage. Research from IBM shows that ethical AI benefits organizations by strengthening consumer trust, increasing adoption of AI systems, and, in some cases, improving financial performance compared to organizations that do not prioritize ethics. 

Conclusion 

As AI continues to advance, ethics will remain a critical factor in its success. Ethical AI ensures that technological advancement is guided by fairness, transparency, and privacy. By prioritizing ethics throughout AI, organizations can develop AI systems that are not only effective, but also trustworthy and beneficial to society as a whole.  

Sources 

IBM. (n.d.). What is AI ethics? IBM. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-ethics 

SAP. (n.d.). What is AI ethics? SAP. https://www.sap.com/resources/what-is-ai-ethics