Digital assistant ethics: Programming your personal digital assistant with caution

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• December 9, 2021

Insight summary

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is prompting important discussions about ethical development and privacy concerns. As AI becomes more prevalent, it brings new challenges in cybersecurity, requiring strong measures to protect valuable personal data. Despite these challenges, the integration of AI assistants promises a less disruptive technology experience, potentially enhancing efficiency and inclusivity in society while also requiring a balance between innovation and ethical considerations.

Digital assistant ethics context

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just in our smartphones or smart home devices, but it's also making its way into our workplaces, assisting us in tasks and making decisions that were once solely the domain of humans. This growing influence of AI has sparked a dialogue among technologists about the ethical implications of its development. The primary concern is how to ensure that AI assistants, which are designed to make our lives easier, are developed in a way that respects our privacy, autonomy, and overall well-being.

Microsoft has made a deliberate choice to be transparent about the AI technologies it is developing. This transparency extends to providing other technologists with the tools they need to create their own AI solutions. Microsoft's approach is based on the belief that open access to AI technology can lead to a broader range of applications and solutions, benefiting a larger segment of society.

However, the company also recognizes the importance of responsible AI development. The firm emphasizes that while the democratization of AI has the potential to empower many people, it is crucial that AI applications are developed in ways that are beneficial to all. Thus, the approach to AI development needs to be a balancing act between fostering innovation and ensuring that this innovation serves the greater good.

Disruptive impact 

As digital assistants become more integrated into our daily lives, these AI companions will have access to our personal information, habits, and preferences, making them privy to details that even our closest friends may not know. As such, it's crucial that these digital assistants are programmed with a deep understanding of privacy. They need to be designed to discern which pieces of information are sensitive and should remain confidential, and which can be used to enhance their functionality and personalize experiences.

The rise of personal digital agents also brings with it a new set of challenges, particularly in cybersecurity. These digital assistants will be repositories of valuable personal data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. As a result, companies and individuals may need to invest in stronger cybersecurity measures. These measures could involve the development of advanced encryption methods, more secure data storage solutions, and continuous monitoring systems to detect and respond to any breaches swiftly.

Despite these challenges, the integration of digital assistants into our lives could lead to a less disruptive technology experience compared to smartphones. Digital assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa operate primarily through voice commands, freeing up our hands and eyes for other tasks. This seamless integration could lead to more efficient multitasking, allowing us to accomplish more in our day-to-day lives while also reducing the risk of accidents caused by divided attention, such as using a smartphone while driving.

Implications of digital assistant ethics 

Wider implications of digital assistant ethics may include:

• AI projects, systems and services moving forward in responsible ways to benefit society.
• Technologists developing AI products sharing a broad commitment to ensure that AI assistants are not programmed with inherent biases and stereotypes. 
• AI that is highly trainable to be trustworthy and respond to its user rather than act as an independent entity.
• AI optimized to understand what humans want and to respond in predictable ways.
• A more inclusive society as these technologies can provide support for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to perform tasks that they might otherwise find challenging.
• Enhanced citizen engagement as these technologies could be used to provide real-time updates on policy changes, facilitate voting, and encourage more active participation in the democratic process.
• Increased cyberattacks and investments to counter these attacks.
• The manufacturing of digital assistant devices requiring energy and resources leading to increased carbon footprint and digital emissions.

Questions to consider

• Are you looking forward to your own digital assistant who can act as your constant companion?
• Do you think people will trust their digital assistants enough to confide in them?