On September 25th, 2018, the ANE in cooperation with the IT University of Copenhagen organized an ethics hackathon entitled “Nordic engineers’ stand on the EU future AI and ethics framework”, in order to gather engineers from five Nordic countries to collaboratively develop a joint position based on practical experience and in conversation with current debates on AI and ethics. The resulting policy document, recommendations and guidelines were produced using the output of the hackathon, and it reflects the collective view of the Nordic engineers on AI and ethics. “While engineers and their organizations will need to shoulder much of the growing responsibilities in the design and implementation of AI systems, the relevant governing bodies of the Nordic countries and at EU level must acknowledge their own responsibilities and opportunities for action.“ RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT BODIES TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF AI AND ETHICS Where specific implementations of particular ethical engineering conduct in practice is best left to companies and the engineers themselves, issues such as the necessary changes in education, implementation of new forms of legislation and regulation remain the purview of governance activities at the national and regional level. As such, we present a set of policy recommendations for consideration. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. There is a need to anchor discussions on the political level and to advance the public understanding on AI. This could be accomplished through the creation of a platform - a meeting space that would engage decision makers, business, academia, civil society and professionals including engineers to come up with stable and transparent solutions for AI through joint discussions. 2. Education for ethical considerations and guidelines is often insufficient in the technical disciplines and throughout work-life. This needs to be addressed through changes in educational goals and priorities for technical subjects as well as through provision of relevant opportunities for lifelong learning. 3. Development of an appeal process with governmental oversight is crucial. Such a process must enable individuals and organizations to address the AI behaviour and decisions that they find potentially harmful. 4. There is a need for shaping regulation and legislation to govern issues related to AI that formalises relevant responsibility and defines accountabilities. 5. Engineers, policy makers, civil society and the general public need spaces for sustaining a living dialogue around issues of AI and ethics. These need to be facilitated and supported through funding and other forms of support. 4
Download PDF fil