OECD: AI ethics gets short shrift among employers


In the United States in 2019 only 0.1 percent of all online job postings for AI professionals mentioned any keyword associated with ethics in AI. — AFP Relaxnews

PARIS: Despite increasing concerns about the ethical risks posed by rapidly developing AI applications, employers are paying little attention to the issue in recruiting, an OECD study said on Nov 6.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development searched online job offers for AI posts in 14 countries.

It found that while the percentage including keywords relating to ethics had increased sharply in the past four years, it still remained very low at an average of 0.4% in 2022.

"Results indicate that in the majority of countries, less than 1% of all vacancies mentioned keywords associated with AI ethics," the OECD said in its annual job skills report.

In the United States in 2019 only 0.1% of all online job postings for AI professionals mentioned any keyword associated with ethics in AI.

These were for vacancies requiring prospective workers to possess skills related to AI development and use, but the figure had risen to 0.5% in 2022.

New Zealand had the highest result of 1.6% in 2022.

"This suggests that despite strong commitments on the part of countries and stated intentions on the part of AI development firms, ethics in AI is not yet prioritised in hiring decisions," said the report.

"These considerations should be prioritised."

The release of ChatGPT and other generative AI systems has captivated the public and offered a glimpse into the technology's potential.

These new systems are capable of quickly producing text, images and audio from simple commands in everyday language.

But they have also prompted concerns around issues ranging from job losses to cyberattacks and the control that humans actually have over the systems.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted political and tech leaders at the inaugural global AI safety summit last week.

Ahead of the meeting, the G7 powers agreed on a non-binding "code of conduct" for companies developing the most advanced AI systems.

But governments appear to be playing catch-up in terms of regulating the rapidly-developing technology. – AFP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Tech News

YouTuber known for drag race videos crashes speeding BMW and dies
KKR becomes largest shareholder in Fuji Soft after successful tender offer
Online disinformation exacerbates Spain flood disaster
How AI will boost Windows Notepad and Paint
Amazon mulls new multi-billion dollar investment in Anthropic, the Information reports
LG Energy Solution signs 5-year battery supply deal with Rivian
Taiwan's TSMC says US investment plan is unchanged after election
Motorola raises full-year forecasts on steady demand
Nvidia surpasses $3.6 trillion market value after Trump win
Pinterest's forecast disappoints investors seeking holiday season ad boost

Others Also Read