--- title: "A Framework for Responsible Artificial Intelligence" id: "8841" type: "post" slug: "a-framework-for-responsible-artificial-intelligence" published_at: "2019-08-13T00:00:00+00:00" modified_at: "2019-08-13T00:00:00+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2019/08/13/a-framework-for-responsible-artificial-intelligence/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2019/08/13/a-framework-for-responsible-artificial-intelligence.md" excerpt: "Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming integrated into our world, and in some cases it’s happening without people even noticing. So far, the outcomes of this technology are mixed. Some are positive, like faster cancer diagnoses (opens in a new tab),..." taxonomy_category: - "Ethics" taxonomy_post_tag: - "ASAEcenter" - "Ethics" - "IT Strategy & Management" - "Liability" - "responsible gaming" - "Technology" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "C-Level" - "Executive Team" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Association Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » A Framework for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming integrated into our world, and in some cases it’s happening without people even noticing. So far, the outcomes of this technology are mixed. Some are positive, like [faster cancer diagnoses (opens in a new tab)](https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/artificial-intelligence-gaining-trust-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment-study-finds) , and others negative, like [discriminatory resume vetting (opens in a new tab)](https://qz.com/1427621/companies-are-on-the-hook-if-their-hiring-algorithms-are-biased/) . Since the legal, ethical, and policy issues raised by AI know no boundaries, the members of the International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw) are taking a multi-jurisdictional approach to AI issues. Fifty-four lawyers and AI experts from 16 countries volunteered to craft [an ethical framework (opens in a new tab)](https://www.itechlaw.org/sites/default/files/ResponsibleAI_PolicyFramework.pdf) of [eight principles (opens in a new tab)](https://www.itechlaw.org/sites/default/files/ResponsibleAI_Principles.pdf) that begins the conversation about the core principles of responsible AI. The eight principles are: - ethical purpose and society benefit - accountability - transparency and explainability - fairness and non-discrimination - safety and reliability - open data and fair competition - privacy - intellectual property The framework provides guidance in how to think about the execution of responsible AI, which benefits the public good and minimizes unintended consequences, especially outcomes that may infringe on individual rights and liberties. ### Why Do Associations Need a Responsible AI Policy? Pressure can drive organizations to adapt and use innovations before they have been vetted for implications and risks. Clear values and ethical guideposts can help avoid problems like lawsuits and bad publicity. This is especially true with AI. Its innovations are changing how people and organizations connect, work, play, and learn. For instance, a 2017 [report (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/Digital%20Disruption/Harnessing%20automation%20for%20a%20future%20that%20works/MGI-A-future-that-works-Executive-summary.ashx) by McKinsey Global Initiative concludes that 30 percent of tasks across 60 percent of occupations will eventually be automated, thanks to AI and related technologies. Association members are on the front line of these workforce shifts and in a prime position to ensure that this evolution occurs in ways that benefit rather than harm society. However, members will need guidance and good role models, and this is where associations can provide the most value to their communities. The framework takes a first step toward setting standards and inviting governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in shaping the future for AI in our society. > Through conferences and education, associations can offer safe forums for thoughtful debate and practical planning around the fundamental choices we make for responsible AI. ### Why Does Society Need Responsible AI? Many AI risks are subtle but profound. For example, a 2018 [Element AI Lab study (opens in a new tab)](https://medium.com/element-ai-research-lab/estimating-the-gender-ratio-of-ai-researchers-around-the-world-81d2b8dbe9c3) found that 88 percent of AI researchers are male. This gender gap has led to highly publicized cases of unconscious bias, including one at [Amazon (opens in a new tab)](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-com-jobs-automation-insight-idUSKCN1MK08G) after the company discovered its AI-driven vetting process for job applications strongly favored men. Without a holistic approach to testing, co-creation, or evaluation by diverse stakeholders, this technology—hailed for its time-saving potential—may lead to discrimination and other negative outcomes. Committing to non-discrimination and practices, such as enforcement of a code of conduct and vigilant monitoring of algorithm and data bias, will help level the playing field. Responsible AI places the notion of human accountability at the heart of its ethical framework. This principle assigns direct legal accountability for any harm resulting from organizations that develop, deploy, or use AI systems, reinforcing the need for such systems to be safe and reliable. Although associations have improved transparency to boost stakeholder trust, they may not be as familiar with how the principles of transparency and explainability may apply to the deployment of AI systems. This principle commits organizations to clear disclosure of when and how operations like customer service involve people or AI-driven technologies. For instance, website visitors need to know that “Nancy” in the pop-up box is a chatbot, not a person. (Other examples can be found on this [background sheet (opens in a new tab)](https://www.itechlaw.org/sites/default/files/Background.pdf) [PDF].) ### From Discussion to Action We aren’t alone in trying to move responsible AI from discussion to action while the technology is still in its infancy. The [European Commission High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)](http://ai-europe.eu/european-high-level-expert-group-on-artificial-intelligence/) and [Singapore Personal Data Protection Commission (opens in a new tab)](https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/05/24/singapore-s-personal-data-protection-commission-shifts-more-accountability) also have independent initiatives underway. And the [Montreal Declaration for Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)](https://mila.quebec/en/2018/12/official-launch-of-the-montreal-declaration-for-responsible-development-of-artificial-intelligence/) and various [industry-led or regional ethical AI projects (opens in a new tab)](https://ethicsinaction.ieee.org/) are also addressing the issue. These are additional resources for associations willing to use their influence to ignite broad stakeholder adoption. Through conferences and education, associations can offer safe forums for thoughtful debate and practical planning around the fundamental choices we make for responsible AI. Associations stand at a tipping point of AI disruption. Industry and government stakeholders are looking for sensible guideposts for responsible conduct. Will you help define, model, and adopt responsible AI? [Charles Morgan](https://associationsnow.com/author/charles-morgan/) Charles Morgan, a principal at McCarthy Tétrault, LLP, in Montreal, Canada, is president of ITechLaw. He is also editor and a chapter lead of “Responsible AI: A Global Policy Framework.” [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/charles-morgan/) [Emily Reineke, CAE](https://associationsnow.com/author/emily-reineke-cae/) [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/emily-reineke-cae/) Tags: [#Ethics](https://associationsnow.com/tag/ethics/) [#IT Strategy & Management](https://associationsnow.com/tag/it-strategy-management/) [#Liability](https://associationsnow.com/tag/liability/) [#responsible gaming](https://associationsnow.com/tag/responsible-gaming/) [#Technology](https://associationsnow.com/tag/technology/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## You Might Like - [ArticleMember Data and the Ethics of AIMarch 27, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/03/27/member-data-and-the-ethics-of-ai/) - [PodcastAssociations Now Presents: Beyond the Tech Stack: How AI Is Changing the Association PlaybookOctober 29, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/10/29/associations-now-presents-beyond-the-tech-stack-how-ai-is-changing-the-association-playbook/) - [Article3 Ways to Improve Cybersecurity at Your AssociationOctober 12, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/10/12/3-ways-to-improve-cybersecurity-at-your-association/) - [ArticleThe Legal Impact of AI on AssociationsOctober 13, 2023](https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/13/the-legal-impact-of-ai-on-associations/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2019%2F08%2F13%2Fa-framework-for-responsible-artificial-intelligence%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !