AI is one of the technologies that will revolutionize the world and shape our future, some people call it the electricity of the twenty first century. Researchers and professionals need to be aware of the ethical and social implications this technology poses. We are responsible for making robots and AI systems that help and empower humanity.
In RecoMind, we take AI very seriously, and therefore, we are committed to designing intelligent systems that help humanity.
Some companies that provide AI services make unethical use of customer data for self benefit. The typical scenario is when a company uses customer data to train a machine learning model, but in the background they are using that data in a different AI system, not directly related to the customer.
At RecoMind, your data is yours, we will never use your data for any other customer.
We work hard to avoid bias and discrimination when developing AI algorithms. An specific example was face detection using Haar Cascades, that has a lower detection rate in dark-skinned people than in light-skinned people. This happens because the algorithm is designed to find a double T pattern in a grayscale image of the person’s face, corresponding to the eyebrows, nose and mouth. This pattern is more difficult to find in a person with dark skin. Haar Cascades are not racists, how can an algorithm be?, but many people can feel insulted with the result.
When programing algorithms like these, we are mindful of their limitations, transparent with our customers by explaining how the algorithm works and, if necessary, avoid the use of the algorithm.
AI methods can be used to massively treat user data. Privacy is a human right and should be protected against misuse.
At RecoMind, we commit to incorporating privacy principles in the development and use of our AI technologies. We give opportunity for notice and consent, encourage architectures with privacy safeguards, and provide appropriate transparency and control over the use of data.
The flow of misinformation together with the human's natural incompetence of perceiving reality based on evidence is a threat to having an informed democracy.
At RecoMind, we will never use our algorithms to spread misinformation, propaganda, manipulation or fake news.
We consider a top priority to be accountable to people and transparent about what AI algorithms do.
At RecoMind, the AI systems that we design will have the appropriate opportunities for feedback, relevant explanations, and appeal. Our AI technologies will be subject to appropriate human direction and control.
There is an ongoing debate about controlling the development of military robots and banning autonomous weapons. An open letter, from 25.000 researchers and professionals of AI, asks to ban autonomous weapons without human supervision to avoid an international military AI arms race.
At RecoMind, we are signatories of this letter and commit ourselves to fight against those using AI for harming people.