Ethics in smart information systems

This chapter analyses some of the ethical implications of recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), data mining, machine learning and robotics. In particular, we start summarising the more consolidated issues and solutions related to privacy in data management systems, moving towards the novel concept of explainability. The chapter reviews the development of the right to privacy and the right to explanation, culminated in the General Data Protection Regulation. However, the new kinds of big data (such as internet logs or GPS tracking) require a different approach to managing privacy requirements. Several solutions have been developed and will be reviewed here. Our view is that generally data protection must be considered from the beginning as novel AI solutions are developing using the Privacy-by-Design paradigm. This involves a shift in perspective away from remedying problems to trying to prevent them, instead. We conclude by covering the main requirements necessary to achieve a trustworthy scenario, as advised also by the European Commission. A step in the direction towards Trustworthy AI was achieved in the Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence produced by an expert group for the European Commission. The key elements in these guidelines will reviewed in this chapter. To ensure European independence and leadership, we must invest wisely by bundling, connecting and opening our AI resources while also having in mind ethical priorities, such as transparency and fairness.