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 as you consider what to do in the situation. 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 scenario considers cultural sensitivity in the images that a company uses.

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 Jordan.
  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 Jordan 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 posts to discuss the solution your group will recommend and the actions Jordan should take to avoid such dilemmas in the future.
  5. Write at least one additional post to discuss the solution your group will recommend and the actions Jordan should take to avoid such dilemmas in the future.

The Scenario

AI and Security Risks in Venue Analysis

A transgender employee, working at the computer in an office.
Image created with Midjourney

EagleEye Protection is a leading security company that leverages AI-driven systems to identify potential security threats at various public events, such as concerts, sports events, and parades. Recently, the company has implemented a new AI system designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of threat detection.

The company uses the AI system to evaluate venues and then creates a report on what it finds, including details on vulnerabilities and advice on how to distribute personnel and security resources. Security personnel use the reports to determine how to approach securing the location.

Scenario

Jordan, an experienced security analyst at EagleEye Protection, has been reviewing the reports generated by the new AI system. Jordan notices that the AI has overlooked vulnerabilities in areas immediately adjacent to the event locations. This oversight could lead to significant security breaches if not addressed promptly. While the venue itself may be secure, risks may exist near and beyond the event perimeter. What should Jordan do about this discovery?

Options for Jordan

  • Report Immediately: Jordan could immediately report the oversight to the managers, emphasizing the potential security risks and the need for urgent action.
  • Investigate Further: Jordan might conduct a thorough investigation to gather more evidence about the AI’s limitations before reporting the issue.
  • Suggest a Review: Jordan could suggest a comprehensive review of all AI-generated reports to identify and rectify similar vulnerabilities.
  • Collaborate with IT: Jordan might collaborate with the IT department to explore technical solutions to address the AI’s blind spots.
  • Propose Human Oversight: Jordan could propose incorporating human oversight into the AI review process to catch potential errors and vulnerabilities.

Issues to Consider as You Decide What Jordan Should Do

  • Urgency of the Threat: How immediate is the potential threat posed by the AI’s oversight? Is there an upcoming event that requires immediate action?
  • Resource Allocation: What resources will be needed to address the AI’s shortcomings? What will the time and personnel requirements necessary to conduct a thorough review?
  • AI Dependence: To what extent is EagleEye Protection dependent on the AI system? How will human oversight impact overall efficiency and accuracy?
  • Communication Strategy: How should Jordan communicate the issue to management to ensure it is taken seriously and acted upon swiftly? What information must be included?
  • Ethical Implications: What are the ethical responsibilities of EagleEye Protection in ensuring the AI system does not overlook critical security threats?

Conclusion

The key question before Jordan is how to effectively communicate this oversight to management and propose a solution that ensures comprehensive threat detection. By carefully considering the options and addressing the relevant issues, Jordan can make an informed decision that prioritizes security and ethical responsibility, maintaining EagleEye Protection’s standards and public trust.

Assessment

I will mark your participation in this Discussion Complete (or Incomplete) after the end of the Grace Period passes and I confirm that you have made at least two posts (required: one response to the original scenario, and a second in response to others in your class). Allow me several days to read and mark all your posts.