International study calls for ethical standards for artificial intelligence!

International study calls for ethical standards for artificial intelligence!

On March 18, 2025, the international research project “AI FORA – Artificial Intelligence for Assessment” was completed at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). This project, which was funded with around 1.5 million euros by the Volkswagen Foundation, is dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the fair distribution of public social benefits. At a time when technological advances are accelerating, the need for fairer systems is becoming increasingly clear.

The results of the project were published in an anthology that is freely accessible online. This deals in particular with the distribution of benefits such as pensions, unemployment benefits, asylum applications and kindergarten places. Using case studies from nine countries on four continents - Germany, Spain, Estonia, Ukraine, USA, Nigeria, Iran, India and China - the researchers show that the criteria for fairness depend heavily on cultural and social contexts.

Global challenges and local solutions

The analysis makes it clear that, for example, in India the caste system and in China civic behavior are significant factors influencing the granting of social benefits. These differences highlight the importance of flexible and dynamic AI systems that can adapt to local conditions.

A central concern of the project is the involvement of all social actors in the development of participatory and fair AI systems. The voices of vulnerable groups in particular are crucial to avoid systemic discrimination and develop fair solutions.

The research project is part of a larger discourse about the ethical use of AI. Meanwhile, UNESCO has published a recommendation on the ethical use of artificial intelligence. This provides a global frame of reference for the development of national measures. Human rights and fundamental freedoms are at the forefront. Core values ​​such as privacy, transparency and non-discrimination are also included.

Ethical dimensions of AI

The rapid development of AI technologies raises complex ethical questions that have far-reaching consequences for various areas of life. Current research shows that it is not just about increasing efficiency, but also about dealing with data protection, loss of autonomy and decision transparency. Disputes about responsibility and liability in the event of wrong decisions are increasingly presenting legal and ethical challenges.

Another concern is the risk of bias in AI systems, which can arise from biased training data. These challenges require an interdisciplinary approach to develop appropriate ethical guidelines. Procedures such as the Ethical Impact Assessment, which assesses the advantages and disadvantages of AI systems, are considered necessary to ensure that AI is not only respected but also encouraged.

The need for regular ethics training for developers and encouraging public discussions about AI are also key recommendations. The research highlights the importance of transparency and the ability to explain AI decisions to increase public trust in these technologies.

Another book based on the results of the AI ​​FORA project will be published and will present policy-relevant models and simulations. This aims to propose improvements to AI systems to address equity and discrimination issues, an urgent task in today's society that is increasingly reliant on AI-powered technologies.

Overall, the ethical use of AI is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to shape digital transformation in such a way that it serves human rights and supports the UN's sustainable development goals. Developments in this area will be crucial to the future of social justice and technological integration into everyday life.