Students learn about ethical and responsible AI practices

The School of Engineering and Technology (SOET) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram recently organised an informative webinar on “Responsibility and Ethics in the Next Generation of AI-Powered World.” The session was led by Ms. Arushi Srivastava, Senior Director of Deployment, Operations, and Expert Services at the SMART World Platform, NTT DATA. The event was successfully coordinated by Prof. A.K. Goel, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, along with faculty co-coordinator Dr. Shatakshi Srivastava and student co-coordinator Mr. Kalash Dang. The webinar helped foster a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges head and the role that responsible AI development can play in addressing them.

The event underscored the growing importance of ethical and responsible AI practices in a world where artificial intelligence increasingly influences both industry and everyday life.

Introduction to Ethical AI

Ms. Srivastava began the session by introducing the foundational concepts of ethical AI, highlighting the critical need for AI technologies to serve humanity positively. She discussed various examples across the globe about major ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as bias in data, lack of transparency in algorithms, and the risk of misuse across various sectors. These issues, she noted, raise questions about how AI systems should be designed and used to avoid harming society or reinforcing existing biases.

Ethical Challenges in AI Development

Addressing the challenges AI developers face, Ms. Srivastava emphasised the complexity of maintaining accountability, fairness, and privacy within AI systems. Drawing from real-world examples, she illustrated how AI technologies, if not carefully and responsibly designed, can inadvertently perpetuate social inequities or create new ethical concerns. This discussion provided attendees with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and the necessity for thoughtful AI development.

Best Practices for Responsible AI

Ms. Srivastava went on to outline best practices for developing AI responsibly. She encouraged inclusivity and transparency in the design of AI models, along with conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with ethical standards. She stressed that AI systems must be aligned with human values and societal good, providing a framework for creating technology that is both innovative and responsible.

The Role of Regulatory Bodies

In her remarks, Ms. Srivastava also pointed out the crucial role of regulatory bodies in managing AI’s rapid evolution. She stressed the need for legal frameworks that evolve alongside AI technologies to ensure they serve the public good. While regulation is essential for safeguarding ethical standards, she also warned against overly restrictive rules that could inhibit innovation. She encouraged future AI professionals to engage in discussions about how to strike this balance.

Interactive Q&A Session

The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students posed questions about the future of AI ethics, autonomous systems, data privacy, and the application of ethical AI in fields like healthcare and finance. Ms. Srivastava responded with insightful answers, deepening participants’ understanding of the ethical dilemmas they may encounter in their careers and how they can navigate these complexities.

Conclusion

The webinar offered valuable insights into the ethical and societal impacts of AI, emphasising the responsibility that future AI professionals bear in shaping a better world. Participants left with a greater appreciation for the ethical dimensions of AI technology, as well as the knowledge that their work can promote fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in AI systems.