Blog Entry #1: The Role of Business Ethics in Tech and AI

Concept: Business Ethics and Transparency in AI

One of the pivotal concepts I have gleaned from this course is the vital role of business ethics, particularly in rapidly evolving domains such as technology and artificial intelligence. As elucidated by Professor William Kline (2021), the ethical conduct of business entails the application of personal moral standards to commercial objectives and operations. This concept becomes particularly intricate in industries such as technology, where ethical challenges are multifaceted and affect millions of users.

A recent article by Mengqi Sun in The Wall Street Journal (2024) illustrates how ethical issues within large technology firms are increasingly brought to light by whistleblowers. In her article, Sun discusses the case of Frances Haugen, a former Facebook manager who revealed the company's awareness of the potential harm caused by its algorithms to users. Haugen's actions demonstrate the potential of ethical transparency in technology to safeguard users and cultivate trust. Indeed, as Haugen notes, providing legal support to whistleblowers to enable them to report misconduct without fear of retaliation could encourage more transparent practices across the industry.

In light of this case, it becomes evident that ethical accountability in the technology sector is in accordance with the recent emphasis put forth by the Department of Justice (DOJ). They recommend that companies implement compliance programs that safeguard employees who report unethical practices (Tokar, 2024). This example serves to reinforce the central tenet of the course, namely that a company's internal culture, and in particular the extent to which it values ethical conduct, has a significant impact on both public perception and long-term success. In conclusion, this lesson has heightened my awareness of the advantages of integrating ethical considerations into corporate policy, both for the benefit of the business itself and for society at large.


References

Kline, W. (2021). Lecture on Applied Ethics. University of Illinois Springfield.

Sun, M. (2024). Frances Haugen Makes the Case for More Whistleblowing in the Age of AI. The Wall Street Journal.

Tokar, D. (2024). Justice Department Pushes Companies to Consider AI Risks. The Wall Street Journal.

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