Google. Ethics. Artificial Intelligence. Ethical AI.
Yes, that’s right. An article on something other than COVID-19. Because while this year has been passing us by, life is still being lived, babies are still being born, and you guessed it – inventions are still being made.
When it comes to intellectual property (IP), the stakes can get pretty high. An idea can be worth millions – think of selling books out of a garage. That is why IP protocols exist today – they protect what’s rightfully yours. But what if that idea involves scanning faces and Facebook feeds?
There’s an ethical approach to intellectual property; in fact, we’ve recently discussed the dilemma of permissibility involving COVID-19 vaccines. The age-old struggle with ethics is the question of what the broader standard should be, what is the best choice for the common good. However, most people presented with the trolley problem in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) would most likely agree that there is truly a dark side to an invention that “knows” too much.
Enter Google. The company with a tainted history of ethical err has decided to launch a new consulting service – the do’s and don’ts of artificial intelligence. For companies looking to break into the AI market, ethical audits, program guidelines, and computer vision services can eventually be purchased through Google’s new offering.
What does this mean? For starters, companies are obviously starting to realize that artificial intelligence will not succeed without addressing its ethical impact. In fact, various companies across the globe have started – and restricted – certain softwares that broke the mold and also broke the rules. Just because something CAN be done, doesn’t always mean it SHOULD be done. Companies like Microsoft are catching on, and promoting safe use of artificial intelligence in hopes of advancing technology while promising fair and equal treatment of those who use it and are affected by it.
As an intellectual property attorney, I’m keeping a close eye on the emergence, effectiveness, and equity of artificial intelligence. If there is a dark side of AI, I want to know how the law protects YOU.
Until next time, I’m Francine D. Ward.
Your Work. Your Property. Your Dream. Protected.
