Earlier this year, a study led by MIT Media Lab uncovered gender andracial bias in the algorithm behind Amazon’s facial recognition software. Amazon’s Rekognition, proved less than accurate when it came to identifying someone’s gender if they were darker-skinned. Shareholders are now debating whether this software violates human rights and will vote on ending facial recognition sales to police.
As AI-powered technologies such as facial recognition go mainstream, debate is raging as to how they should be deployed in the real world. From smart voice assistants and medical diagnostic tools to services such as Netflix offering personalised recommendations, AI is already stitched into our daily lives.
But whether we’re talking about its malign influence on elections, the flaws in crimefighting by algorithm, or how it is open to abuse by authoritarian governments, it’s clear that by their very nature great technological leaps forward often carry with them unintended consequences – ones which can quickly flare up into full-blown crises that hit organisations in the bottom line, as well as society at large.
This report zeroes in on four such challenges – where businesses are buffeted by new technology – and considers how the C-suite can lead their companies in response.
- Regulators and the rise of “dawn raids” or unannounced inspections. With more regulations today and therefore greater potential for violations, alongside a broadening of regulatory powers, how should companies prepare and protect themselves?
- Inside job. The threat of external data breaches to businesses is well documented and most treat cyber-security as a priority. But far fewer appreciate the very real risk of an internal breach – how do you wrestle back the initiative?
- AI and ethical frameworks. In a world in which consumers and employees increasingly expect businesses to take a moral lead, how should organisations set out their guiding principles?
- The woke workforce. Digital activism has arrived in the workplace with “woke” employees who are ready to hold bosses to account. How should businesses react, without stifling whistleblowers or legitimate criticism?
All of these themes have profound implications, and they will shape the decision-making of senior management for years to come. Preparation will not prevent every crisis, but it will equip companies with the right tools to respond.
This report seeks to navigate an evolving landscape, gauge the variety of challenges businesses face, and reveal how to mitigate the inevitable damage should disaster strike. It also focuses on two large organisations that have been in the eye of the storm, yet emerged not just unscathed, but with their reputations enhanced.
-- For more information on how Bird & Bird can help you respond to these threats, visit here
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
