Briefing Notes – Ethics of AI Society Meeting
1. Purpose of Meeting
- Discuss planning for a one-day symposium on AI ethics and related topics.
- Explore government responses to AI regulation and implications for innovation.
- Share updates on departmental support and logistics.
2. Key Decisions & Action Items
Symposium Timing:
- November/December ruled out due to exams and scheduling pressures.
- Target date: February 2024 (January possible but less preferred).
Format:
- Invitation-only event (no open call for papers).
- Focus on guest speakers rather than large-scale conference.
Potential Speakers:
- Carla Fair (Philosophy Department).
- Lychee (Psychology & AI Research Chair).
- Maura Grossman (AI and Law).
Next Steps:
- Confirm venue (Philosophy Department or alternative).
- Secure funding (Carla Fair expressed interest).
- Collect topic suggestions via email follow-up.
- Draft preliminary agenda by mid-January.
3. Discussion Highlights
Symposium Planning
- Keep event simple and cost-effective (refreshments, local speakers).
- Consider thematic focus (e.g., privacy, opacity, AI in education).
Government Regulation of AI
- Canadian Voluntary Code of Conduct for generative AI:
- Principles: accountability, safety, fairness, transparency, human oversight, validity.
- Criticism: vague but foundational; starting point for future regulation.
Concerns Raised:
- Does regulation stifle innovation or build trust?
- Larger companies may benefit from compliance; smaller firms may struggle.
- Transparency paradox: too much disclosure risks IP theft; too little erodes trust.
- Shopify CEO opposes regulation, citing innovation concerns.
- Counterpoint: Regulation may level the playing field and prevent misuse (e.g., voice cloning fraud).
Ethical & Social Issues
- Risks of deepfakes, voice cloning, and misinformation.
- Debate on AI replacing human roles (e.g., suicide hotlines, social services).
- Broader concerns: competition culture, tech reliance, erosion of human interaction.
YouTube Policy Update
- Mandatory disclosure for AI-generated content.
- Artists licensing voices for AI use raises consent and misuse questions.
4. Emerging Themes
- Innovation vs. Regulation: Finding sustainable balance.
- Transparency vs. Security: Disclosure trade-offs.
- Social Adaptation: Effects on trust, mental health, and connection.
- Ethical Frameworks: Need for public education and governance models.
5. Next Meeting
- Tentative: Mid-January 2024.
- Agenda: Finalize symposium details, confirm speakers, refine thematic focus.
