Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming how people receive information and generate content. Its rapid growth has left people wondering how to capitalize on the technology while maintaining ethical boundaries. Here’s some ways to determine if you are using the technology with ethics in mind.
How are you using AI in your business?
Knowing how you are utilizing AI for your work is essential to understanding its ethical value. Whether you are using AI for writing/grammar assistance, image/video production or content creation, you need to be an active participant in shaping the results. If you allow AI to run on its own without any follow up prompts or guidance, it will produce an algorithmic result that could be considered unethical for business standards.
Do you have standards/rules for how employees use AI?
As a business leader, you need to be upfront with your expectations of how AI will be used in your company. Will it replace or assist with work your employees are doing? Will AI be used in the brainstorming process or content creation? Will there be a review process for AI-generated work?
If there are certain parts of the job you do not want AI used for, be clear about those expectations and any consequences for not adhering to the standards. At ComGroup, we’ve developed an internal AI policy that every employee abides by when working with the technology.
Are you following ethical policies already created within your company or organization?
For public relations, the PRSA Code of Ethics drives the narrative for how professionals in this industry do business. While the Code of Ethics does not specifically address AI use, there are other guidelines that shape our work, including being honest and accurate, acting as a responsible advocate for those we represent, continuing development, research and education practices and providing objective guidance.
Are there any legal issues to know when using AI?
While AI is a great tool to help alleviate the mental and labor load of work, there are protections to consider for your business. Most importantly, do not upload sensitive information to an AI platform that you would not want made public, including sensitive client information, medical history or employment documents. Also, when using AI do not ask it to replicate someone else’s work. This could become plagiarism and a copyright violation. Be skeptical of AI and actively challenge its answers for better results.
In celebration of Ethics Month, The Communications Group is leading the conversation of ethical practices and how businesses can create trustworthy relationships between clients and staff. Click here to view more resources.