Ethical impact assessment. A tool of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The Recommendation on the Ethics of AI provides a framework to ensure that AI developments align with the promotion and protection of human rights and human dignity, environmental sustainability, fairness, inclusion and gender equality. It underscores that these goals and principles should inform technological developments in an ex-ante manner. To support effective implementation, UNESCO developed two instruments, the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA is proposed to procurers of AI systems, as this is one of the main channels in which algorithms make their way to highly sensitive public domains. But the questions and the structure of the document are designed so the tools can also be used more generally by developers of AI systems, in the public or private sectors, who wish to develop AI ethically and fully comply with international standards such as the Recommendation. The document comprises two main parts that together strike a balance between procedure and substance. In the first part, related to scoping, the goal is to understand the basics of the system, as well as to lay out some preliminary questions, such as whether automation is the best solution for the case at hand. It also raises questions about the project team and whether plans are in place to engage different stakeholders. The second part is dedicated to implementing the principles in the UNESCO Recommendation. UNESCO Catno: 0000386276