What You Need to Do

Read and respond to a workplace scenario that presents an ethical dilemma in at least two Discussion posts. In your response, address what you would do in the situation and suggest strategies to avoid the dilemma in the future. Discuss the posted options with your group. Use the step-by-step instructions below to complete the task.

How This Activity Connects to the Course

Ethical considerations matter in everything that you write in the workplace. You may well find yourself in a situation similar to this scenario once you graduate (or even sooner as an intern). This Discussion focuses on the company response to software users’ deep fake creations, made with the company’s software.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Success Tip

You can use the online texts, any notes that you have, and the available course pages in Canvas for help as you work on these questions. You can also talk to one another.

  1. Read the scenario below and consider the ethical dilemma involved for Phillis.
  2. In your your first post, do the following:
    1. Present a position statement that answers the question “What would you do in this situation?”
      • Provide reasoning from your own personal code of ethics. Here you focus on what YOU think is right.
      • Provide reasoning from your discipline’s code of ethics, OR Provide at least one supporting statement or example from the Ethics Resource Module.
    2. Explain what Phillis’s team should do in the future to avoid such situations.
  3. Read the posts from others in your group, paying attention to how you agree or disagree on their solutions.
  4. Write at least one additional post to discuss the solution your group will recommend and the actions Phillis’s team should take to avoid such dilemmas in the future.

The Scenario

AI Misuse in Deep Fake Technology

Image created with Midjourney

Scipio, a software development company specializing in AI image generation, has recently discovered a disturbing misuse of its technology. The company’s AI software, designed for various creative and practical applications, is being exploited to create deep fake videos. Some of these videos depict political figures delivering fabricated speeches, potentially influencing election outcomes and causing widespread public unrest.

Scenario

Phillis, a project manager at Scipio, must gather suggestions from company employees and propose a course of action to the company’s leadership. The primary goal is to ensure that Scipio acts responsibly while balancing the company’s interests and ethical considerations.

Options for Phillis

  • Implement Usage Restrictions: Introduce strict terms of service and usage guidelines that prohibit the creation of deep fake videos and actively monitor for violations.
  • Develop Detection Tools: Create and provide tools that can identify and flag deep fake videos generated by Scipio’s software.
  • Partner with Regulatory Bodies: Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations to establish regulations and standards for the ethical use of AI in media.
  • User Education Campaign: Launch an educational initiative to inform users about the ethical implications and potential consequences of creating deep fake videos.
  • Restrict Access: Limit the availability of Scipio’s AI software to verified and approved users only, to prevent misuse.

Issues to Consider as You Decide What Phillis Should Propose

  • Impact on Reputation: How will each option affect Scipio’s reputation in the industry and with the public?
  • Feasibility: How practical and achievable is the implementation of each option?
  • Legal Implications: What are the potential legal consequences of the company’s response to the misuse of its technology?
  • User Privacy: How will the proposed actions affect the privacy and rights of Scipio’s legitimate users?
  • Resource Allocation: What resources (time, money, personnel) will be required for each option, and how will this impact the company’s other projects?

Conclusion

How should Scipio respond to the misuse of its AI technology in creating deep fake videos of political figures? Phillis must weigh the ethical considerations, potential impact on the company’s reputation, legal implications, and practical feasibility of each option. What is the best way for her to proceed?