Ethical AI policies necessary for a better world
Is artificial intelligence going to take over the world? The tech bros are taking turns predicting the future not just for themselves but for everyone. With politicians who think the Cloud is just bad weather calling the shots, this question haunts me.
AI is advancing exponentially faster than many of us thought it would. It offers both incredible benefits and incredible risks. If left unchecked, it could widen inequality, strip us of our human purpose, and lead to a dystopian world where technology dominates humanity.
However, with strong policies, it can enhance life, redefine work, and create a better future. To ensure it serves us rather than replaces us, we must act now — establishing ethical guidelines that prioritize fairness, transparency and human well-being.
At its best, AI should eliminate drudgery. Instead of mass unemployment, it can complement human work. Productivity gains could lead to shorter workweeks, giving us more time for education, creativity, and community.
But if AI’s benefits only enrich the elite, it will deepen economic disparity. Right now, a handful of companies control its development, hoarding profits while leaving the rest of us wondering if we can afford rent and groceries in the same month. AI should contribute more to social welfare, education and infrastructure. One way to ensure economic fairness is giving employees partial ownership in AI-generated profits, distributing wealth more equitably.
Like all monopolies, AI must be prevented from controlling entire industries. Regulation is key to maintaining competition, fairness and accessibility. But with Big Tech funding elections, regulation will only happen if voters demand it. Public pressure is crucial.
AI must serve humanity, not control it. Ethical guidelines should require companies to disclose how these models operate, ensuring transparency and preventing bias. AI applications must be designed to prevent exploitation, discrimination and harmful consequences. In health care, governance, and law enforcement, it should assist human decision-making, not replace it.
It is imperative that AI applications are created to prevent exploitation, discrimination and harmful consequences.
A major concern is its mass surveillance potential. Smart devices already track us in our homes, cars and phones. Without strong digital privacy rights, authoritarian rule will become the norm. We should absolutely have control over their data and be able to opt out of tracking and algorithmic profiling.
Having decentralized systems making AI community-driven rather than controlled solely by corporations or governments would create both transparency and some form of democratic oversight.
I also worry that AI will undermine the arts. Creativity is not just a commodity, it’s essential to human culture. It should assist, not replace, human artistry. Policies must protect human-created content and ensure fair competition. Public funding for AI-human collaboration could help the arts flourish in this new era, ensuring that artistic expression remains valued.
This is not just a national issue — it is a global one. Without international cooperation, artificial intelligence development will be driven by power struggles rather than ethical considerations. Global treaties could establish guidelines for responsible research, ensuring its use aligns with human values rather than reckless competition for dominance.
Public education on AI ethics and safety is crucial. A well-informed society can advocate for responsible policies and push back against harmful practices.
This isn’t a left or right issue. It’s a human issue.
If AI is writing the future, we better hold the pen.
Nick Jacobs is a Windber resident.