Ethics in Tech

TL;DR

• Ethical tech insights from Salesforce's Chief Ethical Officer, Paula Goldman, on creating frameworks for ethical technology development.

Transcript

which i guess could be considered ethical tech right letting us know um so let's go ahead and just kick things off this evening um welcome paula it's so nice to see you thank you i know you're thank you i know you're very busy so we appreciate you um making time tonight to talk about ethical tech with us and um share your perspectives by way of int... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍💻 Ethical tech development is crucial for companies like Salesforce, with policies like not building facial recognition due to potential biases.
• 🤩 Involving stakeholders, conducting consequence scanning, and offering training on ethical AI are key facets of Salesforce's ethical tech approach.
• 🤗 Collaborations and resources from organizations like the World Economic Forum and open-source tools aid companies in navigating ethical tech development.
• 🧑‍🏭 The balancing act between data privacy, value exchange, and trust is central to ethical tech development.
• ❓ Companies can implement process frameworks, like Microsoft's, to ensure responsible AI development and avoid commoditization of ethical AI.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Paula Goldman get into the field of ethical tech?

Paula's background in impact investing led her to realize the importance of responsible tech development early on, foreseeing the challenges that technology could bring without ethical considerations.

Q: How does Salesforce approach ethical tech development?

Salesforce implements policies like not building facial recognition technology and actively involves stakeholders in their ethical framework to ensure products are developed responsibly.

Q: What are some practical methods Salesforce uses to ensure ethical tech?

Salesforce engages in consequence scanning, involves diverse participants in product research, and offers free courses on ethical AI and inclusive design, enabling a culture of responsible technology development.

Q: How does Salesforce navigate the balance between data privacy and data utilization?

Salesforce prioritizes safeguarding data privacy and ensuring meaningful value exchange with customers while also being mindful of the implicit bargain of data exchange and the importance of trust with consumers.

Q: How does Microsoft's process framework for ethical AI development provide a model for other companies?

Microsoft's framework involves steps like judgment calls and open-source tools to assess fairness and transparency, showcasing how companies can operationalize ethics in their tech development process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Paula Goldman, Salesforce’s Chief Ethical and Humane Use Officer, has a background in impact investing and leads the company in developing frameworks for ethical tech.

• Salesforce prioritizes ethical tech by creating policies like not building facial recognition technology due to potential biases.

• Salesforce operationalizes ethics by involving stakeholders, engaging in consequence scanning, and offering free courses on ethical AI and inclusive design.