Ethical and responsible use of GenAI

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) comes with risks and ethical considerations. As you explore GenAI’s potential, it is important to understand some of the critical aspects surrounding its use:

1. Data ownership
2. Date security
3. Diversity and biases
4. Guarding against data corruption
5. Informed consent and privacy
6. Transparency and attribution
7. Accountability and integrity
8. Equity
9. Environmental impact

1. Data Ownership:

Most GenAI tools do not possess legal ownership over the data used to train them. They generate content based on patterns learnt from large datasets, whose ownership and usage rights lie with the organisations/publishers/individuals who provide the data. Some tools do have partnerships with publishers, but these tools often require paid subscriptions.

2. Data Security:

GenAI tools do not manage data storage or control access to specific datasets. They operate solely on pre-trained models and lack the capability to implement security measures for storage or restrict data access. To enhance security, do not place personal data or unpublished data into unsecure platforms, and consider disabling data training in the settings.

3. Diversity and Biases:

GenAI tools generate content based on the patterns in the data they were trained on. This data tends to exclude diverse perspectives, which can produce biased responses. It is crucial for users to critically assess and address these factors when using these tools.

4. Guarding Against Data Corruption:

GenAI tools can sometimes detect inconsistencies in input data, which may suggest potential tampering. However, they do not have the capability to actively prevent or respond to tampering. Always check for accuracy.

5. Informed Consent and Privacy:

GenAI tools do not manage or handle informed consent. This responsibility lies with the parties gathering and using the data.

6. Transparency and Attribution:

Many GenAI tools do not provide transparency or attribution regarding their responses. This is the responsibility of users to communicate the sources and methods used in their work.

7. Accountability and Integrity:

GenAI tools do not enforce accountability or integrity. This is a commitment users must make when using these tools. Always check for accuracy.

8. Equity:

Many of the GenAI tools require paid subscriptions. This means that not all students have equal access, putting them at an unfair disadvantage. Therefore, students will not be asked to use paid versions of these tools by teachers or supervisors.

9. Environmental Impact:

GenAI tools, along with everyday online activities such as sending emails and conducting internet searches, depend on data centres that consume large amounts of energy and water, particularly for cooling servers. Therefore, it is important to adopt a conscious and responsible approach to digital engagements, ensuring our contribution towards the sustainability of our digital environment.