Putting an ethical lens on AI: New guide helps start-ups navigate AI & ethics

To help start-ups navigate the complexities of ethics, Torrens University Australia has collaborated with the Australian Society for Computers & Law to produce the Ethical AI for start-ups framework and checklist to help start-ups apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an ethical, transparent way that builds trust with customers.

The guide includes an AI ethical checklist developed in consultation with a number of Australian start-ups and focusses on issues to consider when applying an ethical lens to new innovations in AI.

Torrens University Australia’s CEO and President and EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021, Linda Brown said that every business of any size using AI needs to be concerned about ethics and what is good business practice.

“One of the biggest challenges we face with AI now is that we need to use it in a way that serves human purpose rather than undermines it,” said Ms Brown.

“Every day, there is a news story about the controversial effect of artificial intelligence models on society and there’s also robust discussion about how AI is helping businesses become more efficient.

“Ethical AI for start-ups will help start-ups and AI designers to make informed decisions, considering ethics and risks and to come up with solutions to solve global problems.”

Torrens University researcher Professor Seyedali Mirjalili who has been named in The Australian’s Research 2023 magazine as Australia’s, and one of the world’s top AI researchers, said artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives and solve global crises – but it can be a double-edged sword.

“Ethics and responsible use of artificial intelligence can not only mitigate risks, but also unlock new opportunities for businesses to progress faster,” said Professor Mirjalili.

“Ignoring ethics, however, can result in serious consequences that can damage both the reputation, credibility and long-term prospects of a business, so we need to accelerate its development and adoption while mitigating the potential risks.”

“Ethical and responsible artificial intelligence is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for businesses and organisations to succeed in the long run.

“What is certain is that AI is here to stay and affects all industries and entrepreneurs – it is shaping the new frontier of how business is done, and as with anything, knowledge is power – so the more that start-ups are informed about ethics, the stronger their business will be.”

Torrens University Professor Khimji Vaghjiani, Australian Innovator of the Year 2010, was a key contributor to and author of the checklist. He said startups needed a quick and easy checklist to review before embarking on their A.I projects.

“Ethics is an often overlooked aspect of A.I projects because entrepreneurs are generally focused on solving real world problems,” Professor Vaghjiani said.

“This is where the A.I Checklist for startups is critical – it ensures that ethics are at the forefront of entrepreneurs’ minds for the life of the project.”

Download the Ethical AI for start-ups framework and checklist and the AI ethical checklist.