Businesses that use artificial intelligence (AI) systems are responsible for ensuring that their AI usage is ethical and respectful of individuals, society, and intellectual property. BBB created a list of tips for ethical AI usage by businesses, including considerations for intellectual property. Businesses should consider applying these 10 tips to their use of AI to foster trust in the marketplace and adhere to ethical
business practices.

• Always keep a human in charge of the AI systems. If an AI system encounters an issue it cannot handle or makes a mistake, a human can intervene and provide the necessary guidance or correction. Human oversight also encourages collaboration between humans and AI, resulting in better decision-making and more effective use of AI technology. Ensure there is a well-defined protocol for human intervention in your AI system, and train your staff on when and how to use it.

•  

  • Regularly engage with a diverse range of stakeholders who may be affected by the AI system, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and even the local community. By soliciting their input, you can better understand the potential impacts of your AI system and address any concerns or suggestions they may have. Consider regular surveys or meetings to collect feedback and ideas from your stakeholders.

   

  • Communicate transparently about how you use AI in your business. Explain the rationale behind AI-driven decisions, the data used, and the steps taken to ensure ethical usage. This transparency helps build stakeholders' trust and ensures they understand how AI systems shape their interactions with your business. Write your privacy policies and AI-related communications in plain language that is easily accessible.

   

  • Design and implement AI systems that treat everyone fairly, avoiding biases based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. Use diverse data sets to train AI models and regularly monitor AI systems to identify and address discriminatory outcomes. By promoting fairness and inclusivity, businesses can ensure that AI technology benefits a broader range of individuals. Implement regular bias audits to ensure your AI systems are fair and inclusive.

   

  • Establish clear lines of accountability for AI systems within your organization. Assign responsibility for developing, deploying, and monitoring AI technologies to specific individuals or teams. Implementing robust governance structures helps ensure that AI systems are used responsibly and ethically throughout their lifecycle. Consider forming a dedicated AI ethics committee to oversee these efforts.

   

  • Protect the privacy and security of the personal data collected and processed by AI systems. Comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations, obtain informed consent from users when necessary, and be transparent about their data use. Businesses can maintain trust and ensure responsible AI usage by respecting users' privacy. Implement strict data-handling procedures, such as anonymizing data and using secure data storage and transfer methods, and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance.

   

  • Prioritize the safety and reliability of AI systems; conduct thorough testing and implement measures to prevent harmful outcomes and unintended consequences. Use high-quality data, create fallback mechanisms, and monitor AI systems in real-time to identify and address any issues that may arise. Establish a routine internal review process to ensure the performance and safety of your AI systems. Train your team on key AI safety and reliability measures and establish a regular schedule for system checks and updates.

   

  • Ensure AI systems properly cite and source intellectual property, including copyrighted content, patents, and trade secrets. Implement mechanisms, such as content filters or licensing agreements, to prevent AI-generated content from infringing on the rights of others. Respecting intellectual property promotes afair and competitive marketplace. Ensure legal review of AI operations to avoid IP infringements.

   

  • Deploy AI systems in ways that contribute to the broader social good while considering potential environmental, economic, and societal impacts. Align AI deployment with your business's social responsibility goals. Evaluate the environmental footprint of your AI systems and take steps to improve it, such as using energy-efficient hardware or cloud services.

   

  • Regularly monitor, assess, and update AI systems to address identified issues and improve performance. Conduct ethical reviews to ensure continued adherence to evolving ethical standards and best practices in AI development and usage. By committing to continuous improvement, businesses can ensure their AI systems remain effective, ethical, and aligned with stakeholder needs. Plan for regular AI system reviews and updates, and stay informed about the latest developments in AI ethics and best practices.

   

• For more information see BBB's artificial intelligence HQ at BBB.org/AI. Contact your Better Business Bureau by calling 216.241.7678 or emailing info@cleveland.bbb.org. Interested in becoming BBB Accredited? Find out how you can apply for BBB Accreditation.

For additional tips and resources, visit BBB.org to help keep your small business thriving. Contact your Better Business Bureau by calling 216-241-7678 or emailing info@cleveland.bbb.org. Interested in becoming BBB Accredited? Find out how you can apply for BBB Accreditation.

Social media: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBBCleveland

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bbbcleveland

X: www.twitter.com/BBBCleveland

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ClevelandBBB

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bbbcleveland