GS-4:Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships;Laws, Rules, Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical Governance;

In News:Big Tech’s fail — unsafe online spaces for women

2.The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened new avenues for online harassment, particularly against women. Analyse the ethical implications of such online harassment and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this issue.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised numerous sectors, but its increasing deployment also raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding online harassment of women. This necessitates a thorough examination of the implications and potential solutions.

Ethical implications of online harassment through AI:

1. Perpetuation of gender bias: AI systems often reflect and amplify existing societal biases. The content generated by AI can reinforce stereotypes about women, leading to objectification and dehumanisation.
2. Violation of privacy: AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated content can violate individuals’ privacy rights. Such technologies allow for the creation of misleading representations that can damage reputations and personal lives, often without consent.
3. Mental health impact: The psychological toll of online harassment can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and diminished self-esteem among victims
4. Lack of accountability: The anonymity provided by online platforms often shields perpetrators from accountability. This lack of consequences for harmful actions undermines the ethical responsibility of both individuals and tech companies to foster safe online environments.
5. Erosion of trust in technology: As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the misuse of these technologies for harassment can lead to distrust among users, particularly women, in digital tools that are meant to empower them.
6. Undermining democratic processes: The spread of misinformation and disinformation, often amplified by AI-powered tools, can undermine democratic processes and influence electoral outcomes.

Multi-pronged approach to address online harassment

1. Implementing comprehensive legislation: Governments should enact laws specifically addressing online harassment, including provisions for deepfakes and other forms of digital abuse.
2. Establishing clear guidelines for AI use: Developing ethical frameworks that guide the responsible use of AI technologies, ensuring they do not contribute to harassment or discrimination.
3. Investing in advanced moderation tools: Social media platforms should employ sophisticated AI tools to detect and remove harmful content proactively.
4. Increase human oversight: While AI can assist in moderation, human oversight is essential to ensure context is considered when evaluating potentially harmful content.
5. Educating users on online safety: Public awareness campaigns should inform users about the risks associated with AI-generated content and how to protect themselves from harassment.
6. Encourage reporting mechanisms: Platforms should simplify reporting processes for users experiencing harassment, ensuring they feel safe and supported when speaking out.
7. Fostering diversity in tech development: Promote diversity within tech companies to ensure that AI systems are developed with a broader perspective that includes women’s voices and experiences.
8. Implementing support systems for victims: Offer accessible mental health resources for individuals affected by online harassment, ensuring they have access to counselling and support services.
9. Establish legal support frameworks: Create legal avenues for victims to seek justice against perpetrators of online harassment, including support from legal aid organisations.
10. Integrate ethics into AI education: Incorporate ethics training into computer science curricula to prepare future developers to consider the societal impacts of their work.
11. Conduct algorithmic audits: Regularly evaluate AI systems for biases and discriminatory outcomes, ensuring accountability in their deployment.

Addressing AI-induced online harassment requires a multi-faceted strategy, including regulatory frameworks, enhanced content moderation, and a commitment to ethical AI development, ensuring a safer digital environment for all users.

PYQ

1. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue.Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. 2024
2. Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is an issue. Critically evaluate with suitable examples. 2021

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/big-techs-fail-unsafe-online-spaces-for-women/article68829587.ece