As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, the question is not only about what AI can do, but also how it should be used. The challenge now lies in ensuring that AI serves society responsibly—upholding human values like privacy, fairness and accountability. Without clear ethical frameworks, AI’s potential to revolutionize industries could be overshadowed by its risks. To truly harness AI’s power for good, we must foster an ecosystem built on trust, collaboration and shared global standards.
These themes were central to the discussions at APCO’s recent panel during SF Tech Week, where experts gathered to explore the future of responsible AI. APCO’s role in convening these important discussions serves as an example of engaging in collaborative discourse that benefits the greater good. Through these conversations, we create platforms where diverse perspectives can coalesce.
Building Trust
Trust is a central challenge in responsible AI. For AI systems to be widely adopted and generate positive outcomes, users and stakeholders need to trust both the technology and the governance structures behind it. Establishing this trust is no easy feat, as the development of AI has historically prioritized speed and innovation over ethical considerations. Yet the tide is turning, and ethical frameworks that prioritize inclusion and ensure underrepresented communities are actively represented can no longer be an afterthought.
To foster trust, developers need to prioritize transparency, making AI systems more interpretable and understandable to both users and regulators. People should know how AI systems make decisions, particularly when those decisions impact fundamental rights like privacy, access to services or legal outcomes. Moreover, when AI systems make mistakes, as all technologies do, there must be clear accountability and mechanisms for redress.
Global Standards for Governance
As AI development transcends national boundaries, establishing international standards becomes critical. Without consistent global regulations, we risk creating fragmented oversight that slows progress and leaves room for exploitation. AI operates in a highly interconnected ecosystem where developments in one country can quickly influence others.
A risk-based framework for AI governance is increasingly seen as a solution, assessing AI systems based on their societal impact. High-risk applications, such as those used in health care or law enforcement, should face stricter oversight, while lower-risk applications can benefit from lighter regulations to promote innovation.
The European Union’s AI Act is one example of how such a framework could work. It categorizes AI applications by risk level and imposes corresponding obligations. As other regions, including the United States and Asia, explore similar frameworks, international collaboration becomes crucial to ensure alignment and prevent regulatory gaps. Working with international bodies like the United Nations or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) can help create cohesive, global AI standards that protect society while fostering growth.
Embedding Ethics from the Start
Rather than tacking ethical considerations onto an AI system at the end of the development process, ethical design requires these principles to be embedded from the very beginning. A well-designed AI system should be aligned with the needs and values of the people it impacts. This means that developers need to be proactive about recognizing the potential harms that AI could cause and design safeguards that minimize those risks.
AI systems must also be fair and equitable, which requires a conscious effort to mitigate biases that can be inadvertently coded into algorithms. These biases often reflect historical and societal inequities and without proactive intervention, AI can reinforce or even exacerbate existing discrimination. For AI to truly benefit society, its development must be guided by the values of fairness, accountability and inclusivity.
Collaboration Across Sectors
Perhaps the most important factor in building responsible AI is collaboration. No single entity, whether it be a government, a tech company or a nonprofit, can address the complexities of AI governance on its own. Instead, there must be robust collaboration between sectors to ensure that AI development is ethical, equitable and aligned with the public good.
Governments play a vital role in setting regulations and standards, but they often lack the technical expertise to keep pace with rapid advancements in AI. Tech companies, on the other hand, have the knowledge and resources to develop cutting-edge AI systems but may not prioritize ethical considerations without external pressure. Civil society organizations, particularly those advocating for human rights, privacy and equity, offer critical perspectives on the potential harms of AI and can hold developers accountable.
Public-private partnerships are essential to bridging these gaps. By working together, governments can create regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring accountability, and private companies can contribute their expertise and resources to develop responsible AI systems. Additionally, collaboration with academic institutions can provide the necessary research and ethical insights to guide AI development in a responsible manner.
The nonprofit sector also has an important role to play, particularly in ensuring that AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to underserved communities, as nonprofits are often closest to these communities and understand their needs best. For example, AI is already being used in some parts of the Global South to address challenges like health care shortages and education gaps. However, these efforts often lack the funding and support needed to scale. By collaborating with both governments and the private sector, nonprofits can ensure that AI serves as a tool for social good, rather than deepening existing inequalities.
The road to responsible AI is complex, but it is a path worth pursuing. By fostering trust, we can ensure that AI becomes a force for good in society. The future of AI will not be determined by technology alone but by the collective action of those who seek to guide its development responsibly.
