Ethics in Innovation: Emerging Tech Considerations

Recent technological advancements have changed almost all aspects of our daily lives, from how we work and play to how we communicate. The broad scope of technology-driven changes has made it clear that business, community, and government leaders must consider the ethical implications of innovations that can negatively affect people’s lives. For example, it’s recently been discovered that some large language models–the technology that powers chatbots such as ChatGPT–demonstrate covert racism.¹

This article will explore the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies and innovation and how leaders can address them.

Ethical business conduct is rewarding, financially as well as morally. Read more about how ethics in business drive success. While ethical behavior is important across the scope of business activities, it is vital in the areas of science and technology innovations. As technologies like artificial intelligence change the world, it's crucial for the individuals and organizations involved to evaluate developments from an ethical perspective. These are some of the areas to consider:²

The global consulting firm Gartner predicted that 45% of businesses will be affected by a supply-chain-related data breach by 2025, which highlights the need to protect users’ data from unauthorized data breaches and exploitation.³ When personal information is widely shared and highly valuable, prioritizing privacy helps maintain trust between users and service providers.⁴

Because technology applications are used to make decisions that can affect people’s lives, taking measures to guarantee fairness and equity helps prevent discrimination and promote inclusion. Business leaders need to implement systems and policies that provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, religion, age, sex, physical ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, marital status, and so on. By embedding fairness into algorithms and practices, organizations can help dismantle systemic inequalities and foster environments in which everyone has the chance to succeed.⁵

The potential harm that can arise from emerging tech depends on the context of each application. Such harm includes but is not at all limited to:⁶

• Enabling digital repression, including illegal surveillance and censorship
• Exacerbating existing digital divides associated with, for instance, physical ability, income, or geographic location
• Technology-facilitated, gender-based violence
• Undermining local civil society and private sector companies
• Amplifying existing, harmful social norms
• Creating new inequities

Business leaders must proactively identify and address risks that could lead to individual or societal-level harm. By taking steps to prevent harm before it occurs, organizations demonstrate their commitment to ethical responsibility and the well-being of all stakeholders.⁶

Emerging technology drives innovation and improvement in many fields, but it also presents complex ethical challenges that must be addressed to prevent unintended consequences. The following areas of ethics in innovation are particularly concerning:

AI ethics is a framework for creating AI systems that operate fairly, transparently, and without bias. With AI use increasing in sectors such as recruitment, law enforcement, and lending, people are concerned about algorithmic bias, where systems may inadvertently perpetuate social inequalities.⁷

AI decision-making transparency is also a concern. When people are affected by AI systems, they deserve to understand how decisions are made. Ethical AI technologies must also respect privacy and not compromise it to provide businesses with a competitive advantage.⁷

Biotechnology and genetic engineering have great potential for supporting human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. In the 1970s, scientists developed a breakthrough method for producing biosynthetic human insulin (BHI) using recombinant DNA technology that led to many advances in the treatment of diabetes.⁸ But the potential benefits of biotechnology and genetic engineering must be carefully weighed against the equally great potential for harm to people and the planet. That's why international organizations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and the Convention on Biological Diversity, have created ethical guidelines for ethical decision-making in this work.^{9, 10}

Autonomous vehicles and drones may be able to make roads safer and package delivery more efficient. However, their widespread use raises concerns. For autonomous vehicles, ethical issues involve decision-making in unavoidable accident scenarios–how these vehicles are programmed to react during a crisis, privacy, and who is held responsible when accidents occur.¹¹ The many uses of drones, ranging from warfare and surveillance to research, film production and cargo delivery, raise a host of ethical questions.

As ethical concerns emerge along with new technology, government and business leaders are taking steps to address them through regulations and policies. These ethical frameworks are designed to avoid negative consequences and promote safety, privacy, and societal values while promoting responsible innovation.

Governments in many countries are working to create regulations to address the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies. The European Union’s AI Act is the first legal framework that deals directly with the ethical issues related to applications of artificial intelligence algorithms. It prohibits AI systems that pose significant risks and requires tech companies to make sure their AI products comply with the regulations before they’re released to the market.¹²

Although they don’t specifically address AI, there are already regulations in place in some jurisdictions to protect consumers, ensure data privacy, manage risks and maintain fairness in technology use. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) set standards for data privacy and consumer rights that apply to many businesses.^{13, 14}

Often, industries move more quickly to establish ethical standards than governmental bodies can. With self-regulation, companies or industries establish their own guidelines and frameworks to address ethical, privacy, and safety concerns. Proponents of self-regulation claim that it’s cheaper and more effective than governmental regulation. They also maintain that industry experts have more insight and expertise than governmental leaders do, which could make self-regulation more effective.¹⁵

In addition to laws and corporate policies, ethical guidelines and standards developed by professional organizations and ethics boards can also play a role in regulating tech developments. These guidelines provide a moral framework that helps industries navigate ethical dilemmas so that technology can be developed and used responsibly. For instance, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ guidelines on ethically-aligned design call for professionals in technology fields to consider how their inventions will have an impact on society.¹⁶

If you’re interested in becoming a global leader who guides companies in creating ethical technology products, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need through Seattle University’s Online MBA program. Expert faculty will guide your development as you learn to excel in today’s competitive job market. Talk with an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more.