We are proud to welcome Ingrid Stenmark to the AI Sustainability Center. With an extensive career in the telecommunications industry, Ingrid brings expertise in legal, risk, and compliance to ethical AI. Read below for more about Ingrid and her perspective on AI ethics and how the new AI legislation can bring significant opportunities for organizations.
You were part of the team that established AI ethical principles at Telia Company. Why do you think AI ethics is important?
AI will increasingly impact people’s lives and in many positive ways. There is, however, also the other side of the coin, whereby the use of AI can bring negative consequences. Discovering the pitfalls and establishing ethical guidance is crucial in order to fully capture the value of AI. As a person, I am also very purpose and values driven, so ethics is always top of mind.
What is your view on the EU proposal on AI legislation?
I welcome that the EU has taken a clear stance on trustworthy AI by setting boundaries from an ethical perspective. The risk based approach taken is sensible i.e. that the legal obligations target primarily use cases with unacceptable or high-risk and self regulation is encouraged for the remainder. At the same time, it’s also vital that the proposal is reviewed from a practical point of view to minimize bureaucracy and ensure it will not be too burdensome, especially for start-ups and other small to medium sized enterprises.
What is the opportunity for organizations?
I see an opportunity for companies as well as the public sector to take advantage of the business benefits that come with using AI responsibly and in way that people trust. Get to know your AI risks by kick-starting an internal risk review and initiate work to define ethical principles. This will also get you prepared once the EU regulation comes into force.