Ethics Exam 2

Why is fairness so important in AI?

As more tasks and decisions are delegated to algorithms, they are controlling the inclusion — and exclusion — of people and information in an increasing number of settings. This grants algorithms the power to perpetuate, reinforce or even create new forms of injustice. Fairness in AI is important because it helps prevent discrimination, protects human rights, builds public trust, and ensures that AI systems treat everyone equally. Without fairness, AI can reinforce harmful biases and lead to unfair outcomes in critical areas like healthcare, hiring, and justice.

Q-02-3 Why both Ethics and Human Rights approach are relevant when dealing with AI?

Both ethics and human rights are important in AI because ethics guides us on what is morally right, while human rights set legal standards to protect everyone's dignity and freedoms. Together, they ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, fairly, and with respect for all people.

Ethics helps us consider what is right or wrong in situations where the law may not provide clear answers. It encourages developers and decision-makers to reflect on values like fairness, transparency, accountability, and the common good. Ethical principles help prevent harm, ensure AI benefits society, and promote responsible innovation. Ethics is not enforceable and not compulsory. It has consensus and offers guidance on what is good.

The human rights approach is grounded in international law and guarantees protections like the right to privacy, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and access to information. It sets minimum standards that must be upheld in all contexts and provides legal tools to hold AI systems and their creators accountable. Law is enforceable. has Consensus and universal rules.

Q-02-2 Which other ethical principles/values have to be considered when designing AI?

Accountability, Human agency and oversight, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data governance, transparency, diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, societal and environmental wellbeing -- to be continously evaluated and addressed throughout the AI System's life cycle

What is the purpose of ethics and of law?

Law is necessary for respect of any matter or reality simply because it establishes rules of social behavior necessary for the coexistence of people in society. law cannot be ignored, nor can it be confused with ethics.

Ethics is part of the philosophy which deals with trying to move toward the good and improving rights. Has to be w/ intention when developing technology. Necessary to improve rights, health, etc. in order to improve life for people.

What is the right to privacy?

respect for everyone's private and family life, home and correspondence. It prohibits any interference with the right to privacy except if 'in accordance with the law' and 'necessary in a democratic society' in order to satisfy certain types of specifically listed, compelling public interests.

Why is privacy so important in relation with AI?

1. Data Protection: AI systems often rely on large datasets, some of which may contain sensitive personal information. Protecting this data from unauthorized access or misuse is vital to maintaining individuals' privacy and trust.

Ethical

2. Considerations: AI systems that collect or use personal data need to be designed and deployed in ways that respect individuals' rights to privacy. Misuse of personal data by AI systems could lead to ethical violations, such as discriminatory practices, surveillance, or exploitation.

3. Security Risks: AI systems can be vulnerable to data breaches, which may expose personal information. For instance, adversarial attacks could manipulate AI models to reveal private data or compromise users' security.

4. Bias and Fairness: In AI, privacy also intersects with fairness. If personal data is used without proper consent or transparency, AI models could perpetuate biases and unfair outcomes, which could disproportionately affect certain groups.

4. Regulation and Compliance: With growing global concerns around data privacy, laws such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) are being enforced to protect individuals' privacy rights. Organizations using AI must comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

5. Trust and Adoption: Privacy plays a key role in fostering trust between users and AI systems. If people feel that their data is being mishandled or exploited, they may be reluctant to adopt AI technologies, hindering innovation and growth in the field.

Q-13-1 Can you mention an example of Code of Ethics for engineers?

IEEE - engineers organization. very influential. integrity, privacy, intellectual property rights

Q-13-2 Are the code of ethics compulsory from the legal point of view?

No. our legal system establishes laws. but ethics is not enforceable. it something that ppl voluntarily adhere to.

Q-13-3 Can you explain why Code of Ethics can have added value?

Can be a very useful tool to solve problems. In engineering, we may face ethical dilemmas. it can be a helpful source to refer to during ethical dilemmas.

Q-15-1 What are intellectual property rights?

Legal rights which protect creative works, inventions, and commercial goodwill. Copyright, patents, trademarks, design rights, the law of confidence

Q-15-2 Why do we have legislation on intellectual property rights?

IP rights are designed to provide remedies against those who steal the fruits of another person's ideas or work. Large investment required to finance research, design and development in respect of computer hardware and software. How? Moral rights (paternity, right to disseminate, integrity, economic rights)

Q-15-3 Are there alternatives to this regulation?

Free software, open source code availability, freeware and shareware, creative commons.

Can you describe the many hands problem?

The many hands problem refers to the difficulty of assigning responsibility when multiple actors contribute to a harmful outcome, such as with AI systems where developers, deployers, and operators are all involved.

Why is the many hands problem so important?

It complicates legal accountability, may hinder victim compensation, and challenges traditional tort law. It also impacts trust in AI and drives regulatory reforms. Just because it is difficult to hold someone responsibility, doesn't mean there should be no accountability.

Is there any recent case law related to the many hands problem?

Yes. In 2025, a U.S. court dismissed claims in a lawsuit involving Character.AI and a teen's death, rejecting the argument that AI has free speech rights, highlighting current legal ambiguity around AI liability.