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The Belmont Report, published in 1979 by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research in the United States, outlines foundational ethical principles for conducting research involving human subjects. While it originated within the context of medical and behavioral research, its principles have become increasingly pertinent to the field of artificial intelligence (AI), especially concerning data derived from individuals.
The report establishes three fundamental ethical principles:
- Respect for Persons: This principle acknowledges the inherent dignity and autonomy of individuals, requiring researchers to respect participants' decisions and protect those with diminished autonomy. In AI ethics, this translates to respecting user autonomy in interactions with AI systems, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding privacy and personal data.
- Beneficence: Beneficence involves an obligation to prevent harm and promote the well-being of participants by maximizing potential benefits and minimizing possible risks. In the AI context, this principle guides the development of AI systems that are safe, secure, and designed to benefit users while actively preventing harm.
- Justice: This principle pertains to the fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of research. It seeks to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups and ensure equitable access to the advantages derived from research. For AI, justice entails providing equitable access to AI technologies and ensuring that AI systems do not exacerbate existing societal inequalities or introduce new forms of bias and discrimination.
Informed Consent is an application of the principle of respect for persons. It emphasizes the necessity of obtaining voluntary and thoroughly informed consent from individuals before involving them in research. In the realm of AI, this means ensuring that individuals are fully aware of and consent to how their data will be used, the purposes of the AI systems utilizing their data, and any potential risks involved.
Relevance in AI Ethics
The principles outlined in the Belmont Report are crucial in AI ethics, guiding how AI researchers and developers handle personal data, engage with users, and design safe and equitable AI systems. Applying these principles helps address ethical concerns such as privacy, bias, autonomy, and the broader societal impact of AI technologies.
Related Terms: Data Privacy, Algorithmic Bias, AI Safety, Ethical AI Design, Human-Centered AI.
Citation: National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979.
