AI Ethics: A Business Imperative for Boards and C-suites

Conceptually, AI ethics applies to both the goal of the AI solution, as well as each part of the AI solution. AI can be used to achieve an unethical business outcome, even though its parts--machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and/or computer vision--were all designed to operate ethically. For example, an automated mortgage loan application system might include computer vision and tools designed to read hand-written loan applications, analyze the information provided by the applicant, and make an underwriting decision based on parameters programmed into the solution. These technologies don't process such data through an ethical lens--they just process data. Yet if the mortgage company inadvertently programs the system with goals or parameters that discriminate unfairly based on race, gender, or certain geographic information, the system could be used to make discriminatory loan approvals or denials.