The German Ethics Council has released a statement titled “Man and Machine”, which focuses on the protection of fundamental rights in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The panel highlights the need to ensure that AI does not diminish human development and emphasizes that AI should not be designed to replace humans. The use of AI technology in society has become increasingly widespread, with applications such as diagnosing cancer and helping students learn English. However, AI has started to influence who receives social benefits and even our behavior on social media.
The Ethics Council is concerned about the impact of AI on the democratic structure of society, particularly with regard to communication and information on digital platforms. The use of AI by private entities to “moderate” content can lead to overblocking, compromising freedom of expression. The council questions whether it is appropriate to leave crucial decisions on these platforms to private commercial groups. Concerns are also raised about personalized advertising, profiling, microtargeting, and data trading. The committee warns against excessive, automated monitoring, particularly with regard to predictive policing, which can lead to the cementing of existing social inequalities and prejudices.
The council recommends high and binding requirements for accuracy, avoidance of discrimination, and traceability in state contexts and decisions that affect vulnerable groups. The recommendations also focus on quality assurance in the development and use of AI products in the medical sector. The panel notes that AI applications cannot replace human intelligence, responsibility, and evaluation; human reason is inextricably linked to physicality and part of human identity. The council recognizes the potential of AI for environmental protection, but urges better resource consumption monitoring to reduce environmental impact.
Overall, the Ethics Council’s statement on “Man and Machine” highlights the need for AI to be designed ethically to protect fundamental rights, avoid discrimination, and prevent over-reliance on AI in decision-making. The recommendations emphasize the importance of human responsibility and evaluation in AI applications and suggest greater monitoring and accountability for AI use in society.
