Does AI need ethical guidelines?

Companies worldwide assume that they will be using artificial intelligence (AI) in the coming years. However, they are lagging behind when it comes to the associated ethical discussion.

More than half of the participating employers state that their company does not currently have written guidelines on the ethical use of AI or bots.

At the same time, 21 percent are concerned that their company could use AI in an unethical way.

"AI technology not only offers great potential, but also comes with enormous responsibility. As a provider of AI solutions, we also have a duty here"

says Heinrich Welter, Vice President Sales and General Manager of the DACH region at Genesys.

"The study provides insight into what companies and their employees really think about the impact of AI - and where we as a technology community can help them to use it ethically."

The study results come from surveys conducted by Genesys. Almost two thirds (64%) of employers surveyed expect their companies to use AI or advanced automation measures by 2022 - for greater efficiency in operations, recruitment, budgeting or performance.

By comparison, only 25 percent currently use these technologies. Despite this increase, more than half of the employers surveyed are not concerned that AI could be used unethically by their company in general or by individual employees.

Nevertheless, a significant number of employers surveyed (28 percent) are concerned that their company could be liable for an unforeseen use of AI in the future.