European Commission hosts high-level meeting on AI and ethics

On 18 June 2018, the European Commission hosted a high-level meeting with representatives of European philosophical and non-confessional organisations, on the topic ‘Artificial intelligence (AI): addressing ethical and social challenges’. Chaired by the Commission’s Vice-President Andrus Ansip, the meeting addressed the potential impact of AI on fundamental rights such as privacy, dignity, consumer protection, and non-discrimination. It also explored the impact of AI on social inclusion and the future of work. Ansip reminded participants that the European Commission is working on ‘ethical guidelines for the development of AI for good and for all’ and that the elaboration of these guidelines ‘requires an open discussion on key issues such as the importance of diversity and gender balance in AI to avoid biased decisions’. The guidelines are expected to be finalised by the end of 2018.