Towards an Equitable Digital Society: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR)

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Ethics
• Sociology

Background:

• The digital era sees increased artificial intelligence (AI) use, enhancing productivity but introducing opaque "black box" systems.
• AI algorithms, particularly in financial services, make life-altering decisions, raising concerns about fairness and societal values.
• Existing ethical AI guidance is vast and non-compulsory, creating confusion rather than clear direction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implications of AI-driven decisions, including opportunity costs and data trade-offs.
• To explore the social, economic, technical, legal, and environmental impacts of AI.
• To propose Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) as a framework for demystifying AI governance and ensuring equitable digital societies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of over 160 ethical AI principles.
• Analysis of AI "black box" characteristics and decision-making processes.
• Conceptual framework development for Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR).

Main Results:

• A proliferation of non-binding ethical AI principles creates confusion.
• Significant societal, economic, and legal implications arise from AI decision-making without human oversight.
• Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) offers a potential mechanism for harmonizing AI governance.

Conclusions:

• Careful consideration of AI implementation, decision delegation, and data usage is crucial.
• There is a need for clearer, compulsory AI governance frameworks.
• Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR) can foster equitable digital societies by addressing AI's complexities.