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Unit II - Unit 2

Ethics and AI (Anna University)

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Unit II

PART A: 2-Mark Questions (30 Questions, ~60 words each)

1. What are international ethical initiatives in AI?

International ethical initiatives are global efforts by governments, tech firms, and
institutions to develop AI responsibly. These include frameworks like the OECD
Principles, UNESCO’s AI ethics declaration, and the EU’s AI Act, which aim to ensure
fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI development and usage.

2. Define the OECD AI Principles.

The OECD AI Principles are global guidelines that encourage responsible AI. They
emphasize human-centered values, transparency, robustness, safety, accountability,
and international cooperation. They are adopted by over 40 countries to ensure AI
benefits society while minimizing harm.

3. What is the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act is the first legal framework classifying AI systems based on risk. It
mandates stricter rules for high-risk applications like biometrics or justice systems
and promotes human oversight, transparency, and accountability.

4. State the role of UNESCO in AI ethics.

UNESCO developed a global framework called “Recommendation on the Ethics of
Artificial Intelligence.” It emphasizes inclusion, data governance, environmental
sustainability, and human rights to guide nations toward ethical AI deployment.

5. What is the IEEE initiative on AI ethics?

IEEE’s “Ethically Aligned Design” promotes the integration of ethical values into AI
development. It covers transparency, data agency, privacy, accountability, and well-
being, encouraging developers to prioritize human rights in AI systems.

6. List two ethical harms caused by AI.

7. Discrimination due to biased datasets.

8. Loss of privacy in surveillance technologies.

Both can lead to social injustice, loss of trust, and long-term societal harm if not
addressed responsibly.

9. Explain data bias in AI systems.

Data bias occurs when training datasets reflect societal inequalities. This causes AI
systems to produce unfair or discriminatory outcomes, especially in areas like hiring,
policing, and loan approvals.

10. What is the black-box problem in AI?

The black-box problem refers to the lack of explainability in AI decision-making.

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Complex algorithms, especially deep learning, often operate in ways even developers
cannot interpret, making accountability difficult.

11. How does AI affect healthcare ethics?

AI raises ethical concerns in healthcare like data privacy, fairness in diagnosis, patient
consent, and algorithm transparency. It must be carefully integrated to protect
human dignity and ensure patient-centered care.

12. Define autonomous vehicles in AI context.

Autonomous vehicles are self-driving cars powered by AI algorithms and sensors.
Ethical challenges include decision-making in accidents, liability issues, and safety
under uncertain real-world conditions.

13. Mention two AI-related concerns in warfare.

14. Use of autonomous weapons without human intervention.

15. Lack of accountability for machine-made combat decisions.

These raise global ethical and humanitarian concerns.

16. What is LAWS in military AI?

LAWS stands for Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems. These AI-powered weapons
can select and engage targets without human input, leading to debates over
morality, accountability, and international humanitarian law.

17. Explain the term “AI weaponization.”

AI weaponization refers to using artificial intelligence in military tools for
surveillance, targeting, and autonomous combat. It raises concerns over human
rights violations and uncontrollable escalation in conflicts.

18. What is a healthcare robot?

Healthcare robots are AI-enabled machines that assist in surgeries, elderly care,
diagnostics, or patient support. They improve efficiency but must adhere to ethical
standards like consent, empathy, and safety.

19. What is “ethical auditing” in AI?

Ethical auditing involves reviewing AI systems for compliance with moral principles
like fairness, transparency, and privacy. It helps organizations identify and mitigate
potential harms before deployment.

20. What are international ethical initiatives in AI?

International ethical initiatives are coordinated efforts by global organizations,
governments, and industries to develop frameworks and guidelines that promote
responsible AI development, ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and
human rights are respected worldwide.
21. Name two key international organizations involved in AI ethics.
UNESCO and OECD are major international bodies working on AI ethics

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frameworks to guide countries in developing and deploying ethical AI technologies

responsibly.
22. What is the OECD AI Principles?
The OECD AI Principles encourage AI to be innovative, trustworthy, and respect
human rights, including transparency, accountability, and robustness to minimize
risks associated with AI systems.
23. What does the EU AI Act regulate?
The EU AI Act categorizes AI systems by risk and enforces strict rules on high-risk
AI to protect citizens’ safety, rights, and privacy, requiring transparency and human
oversight.
24. How does UNESCO contribute to AI ethics?
UNESCO provides a global ethical framework recommending respect for human
rights, inclusiveness, data privacy, and environmental sustainability to ensure
equitable AI benefits.
25. Define ethical harms caused by AI.
Ethical harms are negative consequences of AI such as bias, discrimination, privacy
violations, loss of jobs, manipulation, and increased surveillance that affect
individuals and society.
26. What is AI bias?
AI bias occurs when algorithms produce unfair or prejudiced outcomes due to biased
training data or flawed model design, leading to discrimination against certain groups.
27. Explain the black-box problem in AI.
The black-box problem is when AI decisions are not interpretable or explainable,
making it difficult to understand how an outcome was reached or to hold systems
accountable.
28. Why is transparency important in AI ethics?
Transparency allows stakeholders to understand how AI systems work, ensuring
decisions are explainable, trustworthy, and enabling oversight to prevent harm.
29. What are healthcare robots?
Healthcare robots are AI-powered machines assisting in medical tasks like surgery,
patient monitoring, and elderly care, improving efficiency but raising ethical concerns
around privacy and consent.
30. List one ethical concern with healthcare robots.
One concern is patient privacy, as robots collect and process sensitive health data that
must be securely protected.
31. Define autonomous vehicles.
Autonomous vehicles are self-driving cars that use AI and sensors to navigate without
human input, posing ethical challenges related to safety and decision-making during
accidents.
32. What ethical issue arises from AI in autonomous vehicles?
The “trolley problem”—deciding whose life to prioritize in unavoidable crash
scenarios—raises moral dilemmas in autonomous vehicle programming.
33. What is AI weaponization?
AI weaponization involves integrating AI into military systems like drones or
autonomous weapons, raising concerns about loss of human control and
accountability in warfare.
34. Define Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS).
LAWS are AI-enabled weapons capable of independently selecting and engaging
targets, triggering ethical debates on legality and morality in armed conflict.

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35. Why is human oversight critical in AI weaponry?

Human oversight ensures ethical decisions, accountability, and prevents unintended
harm or escalation caused by autonomous weapon systems.
36. What is ethical auditing in AI?
Ethical auditing assesses AI systems to verify they comply with ethical standards,
such as fairness, privacy, and transparency, to minimize harm before deployment.
37. Mention two harms caused by biased AI in hiring.
Unfair rejection of qualified candidates from minority groups and perpetuation of
workplace inequality.
38. What role does privacy play in AI ethics?
Protecting personal data from misuse and unauthorized access is crucial to maintain
trust and comply with laws like GDPR.
39. How can AI increase surveillance risks?
AI-powered facial recognition and data analytics can lead to mass surveillance,
infringing on privacy and civil liberties.
40. What is meant by ‘accountability’ in AI?
Accountability means assigning responsibility for AI actions and outcomes, ensuring
there are mechanisms to address harm or errors.
41. Give an example of AI bias in criminal justice.
COMPAS software has shown racial bias in risk assessments, disproportionately
labeling Black defendants as high-risk.
42. What is ‘explainability’ in AI systems?
Explainability refers to the ability of AI systems to provide understandable reasons
behind their decisions to users or regulators.
43. What ethical challenges are associated with AI healthcare diagnostics?
Issues include misdiagnosis risks, informed consent, patient data confidentiality, and
lack of transparency.
44. Why is inclusiveness important in AI ethics?
Inclusive AI ensures technologies serve diverse populations fairly, preventing
marginalization of underrepresented groups.
45. How do autonomous vehicles impact legal responsibility?
Liability becomes complex as it’s unclear whether manufacturers, software
developers, or passengers are accountable in accidents.
46. What is the precautionary principle in AI ethics?
It suggests cautious AI development and deployment to avoid unforeseen harm until
safety and ethics are fully assured.
47. Why is global cooperation needed in AI ethics?
Because AI technologies cross borders, international collaboration is vital for
consistent ethical standards and regulation.
48. Mention one benefit of ethical AI frameworks.
They promote trust among users, encouraging AI adoption and innovation while
safeguarding human rights.
49. What is a practical step to reduce AI bias?
Using diverse, representative datasets and continuous monitoring to detect and correct
biased outcomes.

UNIT II - PART B: 16-Mark Questions and Answers

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1. Explain the significance of international ethical initiatives in AI and describe key

frameworks developed globally.

Introduction:
Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology with global impact. As AI systems
increasingly influence economic, social, and political spheres, ensuring they are designed
and used ethically has become critical. International ethical initiatives provide shared
principles and guidelines to ensure AI development respects human rights, promotes
fairness, transparency, and accountability, and prevents harm.

Definition:
International ethical initiatives in AI refer to collaborative efforts by governments, global
organizations, and civil society to create ethical guidelines, frameworks, and policies that
govern AI technology on a worldwide scale.

Key Frameworks and Organizations:

• OECD AI Principles (2019): One of the first intergovernmental frameworks,

emphasizing human-centered values like transparency, accountability, robustness,
and privacy. These principles have been adopted by over 40 countries, making them
influential.

• UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (2021): A global normative

framework stressing human rights, environmental sustainability, inclusiveness, and
governance.

• European Union’s AI Act: A pioneering legislative proposal categorizing AI systems by

risk level, enforcing strict requirements on high-risk applications to protect citizens.

• IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems: Provides

guidelines for ethical design and deployment focused on human well-being.

Diagram:
(Imagine a pyramid showing: At the base, “Human Rights and Safety,” middle tier
“Transparency & Accountability,” top “Sustainability and Inclusiveness,” all supported by
international cooperation.)

Applications:
International initiatives influence AI policy-making, industry standards, and research
ethics worldwide. For example, many companies adopt OECD principles in their AI
governance. Governments align their regulations with these frameworks to ensure global
compatibility.

Challenges:

• Divergent national priorities and cultural values make consensus difficult.

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• Rapid AI advances outpace regulatory processes.

• Enforcement mechanisms across borders are weak.

Advantages:

• Promote trust and cooperation globally.

• Harmonize regulations to facilitate trade and innovation.

• Protect human rights internationally.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of being too general or vague.

• Some countries may ignore or resist ethical standards.

• Difficult to enforce and monitor compliance.

Case Study:
The EU AI Act represents a concrete attempt to legislate AI ethics, influencing global AI
policy discussions and encouraging other nations to consider risk-based AI governance.

Conclusion:
International ethical initiatives play a vital role in guiding responsible AI development.
Continued collaboration and updating frameworks to reflect technological changes are
essential to maximize AI benefits while minimizing risks globally.

2. Discuss the ethical harms and concerns associated with AI technologies, with
examples.

Introduction:
While AI offers significant benefits, its rapid deployment raises serious ethical harms that
affect individuals and society. Understanding these harms is crucial to developing
strategies to mitigate negative impacts.

Definition:
Ethical harms in AI are unintended or intentional negative consequences arising from AI
systems, including discrimination, privacy invasion, manipulation, and social disruption.

Types of Ethical Harms:

• Bias and Discrimination: AI trained on biased data can reinforce stereotypes.

• Privacy Violations: AI systems often require vast personal data, risking misuse or
breaches.

• Loss of Autonomy: Over-reliance on AI may erode human decision-making.

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• Manipulation and Misinformation: AI-generated deepfakes or targeted ads influence

behavior unethically.

• Job Displacement: Automation may lead to unemployment in certain sectors.

• Security Risks: AI can be used for cyberattacks or autonomous weapons.

Examples:

• COMPAS Recidivism Risk Tool: Demonstrated racial bias, unfairly labeling minority
defendants as higher risk.

• Cambridge Analytica Scandal: Misuse of AI-driven data analytics for political

manipulation.

• Facial Recognition: Used for mass surveillance, threatening privacy rights.

Diagram:
(A spider diagram with “Ethical Harms” at center and branches showing Bias, Privacy,
Autonomy, Manipulation, Job Loss, Security.)

Challenges:

• Identifying harms early amid complex AI systems.

• Balancing innovation with regulation.

• Ensuring diverse stakeholder participation.

Advantages of Awareness:

• Helps create fair and transparent AI.

• Guides policymakers and developers.

• Protects vulnerable groups.

Disadvantages:

• Addressing harms may slow down AI progress.

• Complex to regulate international tech companies.

Case Study:
The Cambridge Analytica data misuse illustrated how AI-powered profiling can
manipulate voter behavior, prompting calls for stricter data privacy and ethical use
standards.

Conclusion:
Recognizing and mitigating ethical harms in AI is essential for sustainable development.

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Ethical frameworks, transparency, and accountability are key to preventing misuse and
protecting society.

3. Analyze the ethical challenges and benefits of healthcare robots.

Introduction:
Healthcare robots, driven by AI, are transforming patient care, surgery, and eldercare,
offering efficiency and precision. However, their deployment raises unique ethical
questions about privacy, consent, reliability, and the human touch in medicine.

Definition:
Healthcare robots are automated machines equipped with AI algorithms designed to
assist or perform medical tasks, including surgical procedures, patient monitoring,
rehabilitation, and companionship.

Applications:

• Surgical robots (e.g., Da Vinci system).

• Robotic nurses aiding in elderly care.

• AI chatbots for mental health support.

Benefits:

• Increased precision and reduced human error in surgeries.

• Continuous patient monitoring and quick response.

• Reducing workload for healthcare staff.

• Providing companionship to isolated patients.

Ethical Challenges:

• Patient Privacy: Robots collect sensitive data requiring strict security.

• Informed Consent: Patients may not fully understand AI’s role or risks.

• Reliability and Safety: System failures can cause harm.

• Dehumanization: Overreliance may reduce human empathy in care.

• Accountability: Determining responsibility if robots cause harm.

Diagram:
(A balance scale with Benefits on one side and Ethical Challenges on the other.)

Examples:

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• The Da Vinci Surgical System enhances precision but requires skilled operators.

• Paro, a therapeutic robot seal, provides emotional support but cannot replace
human interaction.

Challenges:

• Ensuring transparency about AI capabilities to patients.

• Developing standards for robot safety and ethical use.

• Training healthcare workers to collaborate with robots.

Advantages:

• Improves care quality and accessibility.

• Reduces human fatigue and errors.

• Enables remote healthcare delivery.

Disadvantages:

• High costs limiting accessibility.

• Potential job displacement in care roles.

• Risk of technical failures impacting patient health.

Case Study:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, robots were used to reduce healthcare workers’
exposure by disinfecting rooms and delivering supplies, demonstrating practical benefits
but also raising concerns about replacing human presence.

Conclusion:
Healthcare robots hold promise for improving medical services but must be developed
and deployed ethically, respecting patient rights, ensuring safety, and complementing
human caregivers rather than replacing them.

4. Evaluate the ethical considerations in autonomous vehicles and their societal

implications.

Introduction:
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) utilize AI to navigate and operate without human
intervention. While promising improved safety and efficiency, AVs introduce ethical
dilemmas around decision-making, liability, and social equity.

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Definition:
Autonomous vehicles are self-driving cars that employ AI algorithms, sensors, and data
analytics to perceive their environment and make driving decisions.

Ethical Issues:

• The Trolley Problem: How should an AV prioritize lives in unavoidable accident

scenarios?

• Transparency: AVs must explain decisions to users and regulators.

• Safety and Reliability: Ensuring AVs operate correctly in varied conditions.

• Liability: Determining responsibility in crashes (manufacturers, software developers,

owners).

• Privacy: AVs collect vast data on passengers and environments.

• Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring AV benefits are fairly distributed.

Applications:

• Ride-sharing services using AVs.

• Logistics and delivery with autonomous trucks.

Diagram:
(A decision flowchart showing AV sensing → decision-making → ethical dilemma (e.g.,
crash scenario) → outcome.)

Challenges:

• Programming ethical frameworks that reflect societal values.

• Legal and regulatory gaps.

• Public trust and acceptance.

Advantages:

• Potential to reduce human error-related accidents.

• Improved mobility for disabled or elderly.

• Decreased traffic congestion and emissions.

Disadvantages:

• Ethical dilemmas hard to codify in software.

• Job losses in driving professions.

• Risk of hacking or system failures.

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Case Study:
In 2018, an Uber autonomous vehicle caused a pedestrian fatality, highlighting safety
and liability challenges and emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and ethical
safeguards.

Conclusion:
Ethical considerations are central to AV development. Stakeholders must engage in
transparent policymaking, incorporate ethical decision-making algorithms, and foster
public trust for successful adoption.

5. Discuss the ethical implications of AI in warfare and weaponization, with examples.

Introduction:
AI’s incorporation into warfare, through autonomous weapons and decision support
systems, brings revolutionary capabilities but also profound ethical concerns about
human control, accountability, and the nature of conflict.

Definition:
AI weaponization refers to the use of AI technologies in military systems for surveillance,
target identification, and autonomous engagement without human intervention.

Types:

• Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS): Fully autonomous systems capable of

selecting and attacking targets.

• AI in Cyberwarfare: Automated hacking and defense mechanisms.

• AI for Surveillance: Enhancing intelligence and battlefield awareness.

Ethical Concerns:

• Loss of Human Control: Autonomous systems may make lethal decisions without
human judgment.

• Accountability: Who is responsible for AI-driven actions in war?

• Legal Compliance: Ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law.

• Escalation Risks: AI may accelerate conflict and reduce diplomacy.

Examples:

• Autonomous drones capable of independent strike missions.

• AI-enhanced missile defense systems.

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Diagram:
(A flowchart showing AI-enabled weapon → decision-making → engagement →
oversight.)

Challenges:

• Developing international treaties to regulate AI weaponization.

• Preventing misuse and proliferation.

• Ensuring ethical principles govern AI use in combat.

Advantages:

• Increased precision reduces collateral damage.

• Faster decision-making improves defense.

• Can perform dangerous tasks without risking soldiers’ lives.

Disadvantages:

• Risk of accidental or unintended harm.

• Moral concerns over machines deciding life and death.

• Potential for AI arms race.

Case Study:
Campaigns to ban LAWS, like those led by the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, reflect
global concern about unchecked AI in warfare.

Conclusion:
The ethical deployment of AI in warfare requires robust international regulation,
transparency, and human oversight to prevent misuse and uphold humanitarian values.

6. Explain the role and importance of transparency in AI ethical initiatives

internationally.

Introduction:
Transparency is a cornerstone of ethical AI development and deployment. It enables
understanding, trust, and accountability by making AI processes and decisions open and
clear to users, developers, regulators, and society.

Definition:
Transparency in AI refers to the clarity and openness regarding how AI systems are
designed, trained, and how they make decisions, including data sources, algorithms, and
potential biases.

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Role in International Ethical Initiatives:

• Ensures AI systems align with human rights and societal values.

• Facilitates regulatory oversight across borders.

• Builds public trust by reducing “black box” fears.

• Supports accountability by allowing audits and impact assessments.

Examples:

• The EU AI Act mandates transparency measures for high-risk AI systems, including

explanation rights for affected individuals.

• OECD principles promote transparency to encourage responsible innovation.

Diagram:
(A transparency funnel showing inputs → AI system → outputs, with explanatory notes
along each stage.)

Benefits:

• Empowers users to make informed decisions.

• Helps detect and correct biases or errors.

• Encourages ethical AI innovation.

Challenges:

• Complex AI models like deep learning are inherently difficult to interpret.

• Balancing transparency with intellectual property and security concerns.

• Diverse international standards complicate uniform transparency.

Case Study:
Google’s AI Principles emphasize transparency, with tools like “Model Cards” explaining
AI model performance and limitations to users and developers.

Conclusion:
Transparency is essential for ethical AI governance globally. While technical and policy
challenges remain, international initiatives underscore its importance to safeguard
human rights and promote trust.

7. Discuss the challenges of ensuring accountability in AI systems internationally.

Introduction:
Accountability in AI means ensuring that individuals or organizations can be held

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responsible for the outcomes of AI systems. Given AI’s complexity and global reach,
ensuring accountability poses significant challenges.

Definition:
Accountability refers to the obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for AI
system decisions and consequences.

Challenges:

• Complexity and Opacity: AI decisions often involve complex algorithms not easily
understood by humans.

• Diffuse Responsibility: Multiple actors (developers, deployers, users) may be

involved, complicating liability.

• Cross-border Jurisdiction: AI systems often operate across countries with different

laws and norms.

• Lack of Standards: Absence of universally agreed accountability frameworks.

• Rapid Innovation: AI evolves faster than legal and regulatory systems.

Examples:

• Autonomous vehicle accidents raise questions about whether manufacturers,

software developers, or operators are accountable.

• AI-driven content moderation by social media platforms involves platform

accountability for censorship or harm.

Diagram:
(A network diagram showing stakeholders—developers, deployers, users, regulators—
with accountability links.)

International Initiatives:

• OECD and UNESCO emphasize clear accountability mechanisms in AI ethics.

• EU AI Act requires designated “responsible persons” for high-risk AI systems.

Benefits of Accountability:

• Ensures redress for harms caused by AI.

• Builds trust among users and society.

• Encourages responsible AI design.

Disadvantages of Poor Accountability:

• Legal uncertainty inhibits innovation.

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• Victims may lack remedies.

• Erosion of public trust.

Case Study:
The Uber self-driving car fatality in 2018 spotlighted gaps in accountability and the need
for clear responsibility in autonomous AI deployments.

Conclusion:
Accountability is critical for ethical AI globally. Collaborative efforts to define standards,
assign responsibility, and enable enforcement are necessary for safe and trustworthy AI.

8. Analyze the ethical concerns around privacy in AI with international perspectives.

Introduction:
Privacy is a fundamental human right threatened by AI’s data-hungry nature.
International ethical initiatives recognize the importance of safeguarding personal
information amid AI proliferation.

Definition:
Privacy in AI entails protecting individuals’ personal data from unauthorized access,
misuse, or exploitation by AI systems.

Concerns:

• Massive data collection for training AI models risks surveillance and profiling.

• Lack of informed consent about data usage.

• Data breaches and cyberattacks exposing sensitive information.

• Use of AI for mass surveillance by governments raising ethical and human rights
questions.

International Approaches:

• GDPR (EU): Sets strict data protection standards including user consent and data
minimization.

• UN Guidelines: Promote privacy as a human right, urging states to protect citizens

from invasive AI.

• OECD Principles: Advocate for privacy protection in AI development and use.

Examples:

• Facial recognition systems used by law enforcement raise concerns about mass
surveillance and racial profiling.

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• Data brokers using AI to analyze and sell personal data without consent.

Diagram:
(A privacy shield showing data flows from user → AI system, with consent and protection
layers.)

Challenges:

• Balancing innovation and data access with privacy.

• Differences in privacy norms and laws worldwide.

• Technological complexity in enforcing privacy protections.

Advantages of Privacy Protection:

• Preserves individual autonomy and dignity.

• Prevents discrimination and misuse.

• Builds trust in AI systems.

Disadvantages:

• Restrictive privacy laws may limit AI development.

• Enforcement can be costly and difficult globally.

Case Study:
China’s extensive use of AI-powered surveillance cameras sparked international debate
about privacy, state control, and human rights.

Conclusion:
Privacy remains a key ethical concern internationally. Harmonizing privacy protections
with AI innovation through robust laws, ethical design, and public awareness is vital.

9. Discuss the ethical challenges and initiatives in AI related to human oversight.

Introduction:
Human oversight ensures that AI systems are monitored and controlled by humans to
prevent harm and maintain ethical standards.

Definition:
Human oversight means human involvement in designing, deploying, and supervising AI
to ensure responsible and safe operation.

Ethical Challenges:

• Overreliance on AI: Risk that humans may abdicate responsibility.

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• Automation Bias: Humans may trust AI decisions uncritically.

• Workforce Impact: Redefining human roles alongside AI systems.

• Decision Complexity: Balancing human judgment and AI efficiency.

International Ethical Initiatives:

• OECD principles stress human-centered AI with meaningful human control.

• EU AI Act mandates human oversight especially for high-risk AI applications.

• IEEE guidelines promote “human-in-the-loop” and “human-on-the-loop” models.

Examples:

• In healthcare, doctors oversee AI diagnostics to ensure accuracy.

• Autonomous vehicles require human drivers ready to intervene.

Diagram:
(A cycle showing AI decision → Human review → Feedback and correction.)

Benefits:

• Reduces risk of AI errors causing harm.

• Maintains human accountability.

• Enhances trust in AI systems.

Challenges:

• Designing effective interfaces for human control.

• Training users to understand AI limitations.

• Ensuring timely human intervention in critical systems.

Case Study:
Tesla’s Autopilot system incidents raised questions about appropriate human oversight
and user education in semi-autonomous driving.

Conclusion:
Human oversight is essential to ethical AI, balancing automation benefits with safety and
accountability. International frameworks support embedding oversight into AI lifecycle.

10. Evaluate the role of case studies like healthcare robots, autonomous vehicles, and
weaponization in shaping international AI ethics initiatives.

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Introduction:
Case studies provide real-world contexts highlighting ethical challenges, risks, and best
practices, influencing global AI ethical guidelines and policies.

Healthcare Robots:

• Show benefits of AI in sensitive environments but raise concerns on privacy, safety,

and empathy.

• Highlight need for strict data protection, transparency, and human oversight.

Autonomous Vehicles:

• Expose complex ethical dilemmas in AI decision-making, liability, and safety

standards.

• Propel regulatory innovations like the EU AI Act emphasizing risk-based governance.

Weaponization:

• Reveal existential ethical risks of autonomous lethal systems.

• Drive international campaigns and dialogues for regulation and prohibition (e.g., UN
discussions on LAWS).

Diagram:
(A Venn diagram overlapping Healthcare Robots, Autonomous Vehicles, and AI
Weaponization, with Ethical Concerns like Privacy, Safety, Accountability in the center.)

Influence on International Initiatives:

• Case studies inform guidelines to address specific risks.

• Demonstrate need for multidisciplinary and multistakeholder approaches.

• Provide evidence for policy decisions and legal frameworks.

Challenges:

• Balancing innovation with precaution in emerging AI areas.

• Ensuring lessons from cases are incorporated promptly in policies.

Advantages:

• Ground ethical principles in real-world scenarios.

• Promote shared understanding among nations and sectors.

Disadvantages:

• Case studies may be context-specific, limiting universal applicability.

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Conclusion:
Case studies serve as critical learning tools for international AI ethics initiatives, helping
shape robust, context-aware, and adaptive governance frameworks.

Case Study: Healthcare Robots, Autonomous Vehicles, Warfare and

Weaponization

Introduction:
AI technologies such as healthcare robots, autonomous vehicles, and autonomous
weapon systems represent some of the most advanced and impactful applications of
artificial intelligence. Each domain presents unique ethical challenges, risks, and
regulatory needs, making them key case studies in international AI ethics initiatives.

1. Healthcare Robots

Definition:
Healthcare robots are AI-driven machines designed to assist medical professionals and
patients in tasks ranging from surgery, elderly care, diagnostics, to rehabilitation.

Applications:

• Surgical robots (e.g., Da Vinci Surgical System) improve precision in operations.

• Companion robots assist elderly or disabled patients with daily activities.

• Diagnostic AI systems analyze medical data for early disease detection.

Ethical Concerns:

• Privacy: Handling sensitive health data requires stringent data protection.

• Safety and Reliability: Errors in robot-assisted surgery or care can have life-
threatening consequences.

• Empathy and Human Touch: Robots may lack emotional understanding, potentially
affecting patient care quality.

• Accountability: Determining liability in case of malfunction or harm.

International Ethical Initiatives:

• Emphasize transparency of AI decisions in healthcare.

• Advocate human oversight to ensure safety and ethical compliance.

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• Data protection laws like HIPAA (USA) and GDPR (EU) guide healthcare AI use.

Case Example:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare robots were deployed for disinfection and
patient interaction to reduce human exposure, showcasing AI’s benefits and ethical
considerations in emergency contexts.

2. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

Definition:
Autonomous vehicles are self-driving cars or drones capable of navigating and operating
without human intervention using AI technologies like computer vision and sensor
fusion.

Applications:

• Passenger cars (Tesla Autopilot, Waymo).

• Delivery drones and trucks.

• Public transport automation.

Ethical Concerns:

• Safety: Preventing accidents and protecting passengers, pedestrians, and other

drivers.

• Decision-making in Crises: Moral dilemmas like “trolley problem” scenarios where

the AV must choose between harms.

• Liability: Assigning responsibility for accidents between manufacturers, software

developers, and users.

• Data Privacy: Collecting location and behavior data.

International Ethical Initiatives:

• Regulations requiring safety certifications and real-world testing.

• Standards for AI transparency and explainability.

• Encouragement of human override mechanisms.

Case Example:
The fatal 2018 Uber self-driving car accident raised awareness of accountability and
safety standards in AV development.

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3. Warfare and Weaponization

Definition:
AI weaponization involves developing autonomous or semi-autonomous systems capable
of identifying, selecting, and engaging targets without human input.

Applications:

• Drones with autonomous targeting.

• Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS).

• Cyberwarfare tools powered by AI.

Ethical Concerns:

• Human Control: Risks of delegating life-and-death decisions to machines.

• Accountability: Difficulty in assigning responsibility for unintended casualties or

violations of international law.

• Escalation of Conflicts: Faster, less predictable warfare potentially leading to global

instability.

• Compliance with International Law: Adhering to Geneva Conventions and laws of

armed conflict.

International Ethical Initiatives:

• UN discussions on regulating or banning LAWS.

• Campaigns by NGOs like the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots advocating for bans on
fully autonomous weapons.

• Calls for meaningful human control over weapons.

Case Example:
Several countries are investing in AI weapon systems, but global consensus remains
elusive due to strategic, security, and ethical complexities.

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