Latest news with #EthicalAI
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
UNSW under fire over ‘generative AI' art course offering
One of Australia's most prestigious universities has come under fire for offering a new subject which requires students to use generative AI to create art. The class, called DART2252 – Generative AI for Artists, is an elective available to those studying under the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture. It advertises coursework that focuses on producing creative works that 'employ generative AI', with students encouraged to 'explore, interrogate, and integrate current innovations in generative AI'. UNSW Fine Arts and Secondary Education student, Robin Chessell, said it was hard not to find the course insulting, 'especially as an art student'. 'AI can feel very threatening as companies pursue profits over genuine art and human connection. So it does feel a little bit like a betrayal,' the 22-year-old said. 'I've cared a lot about ethical issues with technology for a long time. 'I was very critical of the NFT phase that we went through in 2020, and then as AI has sort of come more into the mainstream, I've been seeing the issues, the negative impacts of it, come out more and more as well.' Ms Chessell said, the truth is, that where or not UNSW run this course, AI is going to make its way into the art landscape. However, she believes that running this course 'sends a message' to art students that hard work, art and behaving ethically towards other people and to the environment 'is not valued', 'And it would send a message that our intellectual property and our creations and ideas as artists are not valued,' the student added. Ms Chessell said the first she heard of the subject being run was via a group chat, and believes the university has not carried out enough consultation with students about the implementation of AI. 'I think from all of the people that I've talked to here on art campus as well as online, I haven't seen a single person that says, 'yes, we need this course',' she said. 'Everyone is pretty universally is against it. 'We were just very frustrated, even felt a sense of betrayal from the university, that they would run this subject and that's what sort of prompted me to do something about it.' A petition started by Ms Chessell has already garnered almost 500 signatures. It calls for the removal of the subject, citing concerns regarding the negative impacts of generative AI such as plagiarism, electricity and water use, climate impacts and ethics surrounding misusage. As well as the cancellation of the class, the petition demands UNSW to commit to not teach or require the use of generative AI in any other classes, now or in future – and when it is mentioned, the disadvantages are outlined by staff. Many signatories expressed their disappointment with the 'harmful' decision to mix AI and human creativity – something that has already resulted in lawsuits around the globe. 'The whole point of applying to, enrolling in, and paying for art school is so YOU can make the art,' one wrote. 'Generative AI in its current state only provides more issues than it does provide a helpful medium for artistic interpretation,' another said. 'It steals from others and uses resources that ultimately plummet us towards more climate change.' 'AI should never be a replacement for creativity,' a third commented. A fourth said: 'Wow, this is messed up.' 'Even if they'd (sic) eliminate this unit later, UNSW turned out to be … a uni that does not care about a sustainable future at all. 'Extremely disappointed and UNSW definitely does not deserve that high ranking in Australia and in the world.' A spokesperson for UNSW told the course was consistent with the university's guidelines on the ethical and 'thoughtful' integration of AI. They did not specify as to how they would minimise any negative impacts created by AI. 'DART2252 Generative AI for Artists is an elective course at UNSW Sydney that critically explores the creative and ethical questions raised by AI, rather than simply promoting or celebrating its use,' the spokesperson said. 'It provides students with the tools to understand and question the role of generative AI in the arts, and is part of a broader effort to ensure students are well-equipped to navigate an increasingly AI-integrated world.' The spokesperson said the course was originally introduced in 2021 under the name Emerging Media Technologies Studio, before being renamed Generative AI for Artists in 2024. It was first taught under its new name in 2025. 'The updated course was approved through UNSW's standard academic governance processes,' the spokesperson said. 'As with all UNSW operations, the course (with its enrolment of fewer than 20 students) aligns with the University's Environmental Sustainability Plan. 'UNSW is a certified carbon-neutral organisation, and the University remains committed to minimising its environmental footprint across all activities.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BIBF CEO: Developing national AI talent is a cornerstone for digital-economic transformation
Manama – Dr. Ahmed Abdulhameed Al-Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), commended the launch of the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, announced by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), and the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. He affirmed that this national policy represents a significant step in advancing Bahrain's vision to become a digitally empowered, innovation-driven economy. Dr. Al-Shaikh emphasised that building national capacity in artificial intelligence is a critical enabler of digital transformation. He noted that equipping Bahraini talent with AI-related skills and knowledge is essential to ensure the responsible, secure, and effective application of emerging technologies, in line with the ethical principles outlined in the GCC manual and Bahrain's national frameworks. He stated: 'The successful implementation of the AI Policy depends not only on regulation and infrastructure, but also on investing in people. At BIBF, we are committed to supporting the national AI agenda by offering academic and professional development programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics - ensuring alignment with ethical standards and the future needs of the economy.' Dr. Al-Shaikh highlighted BIBF's ongoing efforts to develop specialised training programmes and workshops in collaboration with leading global partners. These efforts aim to equip Bahraini professionals with the skills required for the jobs of the future. Dr. Al-Shaikh noted that over the past two years, the BIBF has implemented a number of national initiatives in this field, including intensive programmes in artificial intelligence in partnership with local and international entities, in addition to 'AI Readiness' programme to train more than 5,000 Bahrainis over the next five years in AI skills and applications. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Shaikh reiterated the importance of cooperation between government, academia, and industry to achieve the goals of the AI policy. He stressed that public confidence in AI - and its ethical and effective use - is built on education, awareness, and empowerment, all of which remain central to BIBF's mission.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Digital Cooperation Organization launches the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator, a policy tool to advance ethical AI implementation
Geneva, Switzerland: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization dedicated to accelerating inclusive and sustainable digital economies, officially launched its flagship DCO AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool at the AI for Good Summit 2025 and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) in Geneva. The Policy Tool represents a significant step forward in translating the DCO Principles for Ethical AI, which were endorsed by the Organization's 16 Member States earlier this year. The DCO AI Ethics Evaluator is a comprehensive tool designed to assist individuals, organizations, governments, public and private sectors to systematically assess and address ethical considerations related to their AI systems with a focus on human rights risks. Producing a report with visual profile and actionable recommendations. During the event, Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communication Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and current Chairperson of the DCO Council for the current term of 2025, announced the launch of the "DCO AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool". In his speech during the tool's launch at the high-level forum of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS + 2025), Al-Omar emphasized that the tool aims to guide developers and users of AI technologies regarding the potential impact on human rights, alignment with ethical standards, and the application of strategies to mitigate these impacts through a structured self-assessment questionnaire covering six categories of risks based on the DCO's principles for Ethical AI. The tool was developed based on DCO research in AI governance and extensive consultations with experts and relevant stakeholders. In conclusion, Al-Omar noted that the organization is making steady progress toward achieving its goals by turning its commitments into actions, one of which has been realized today with the launch of the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator. 'We are laying down a shared ethical foundation,' said Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO. 'Because AI without ethics is not progress, it's a threat. A threat to human dignity, to public trust, and to the very values that bind our societies together.' She emphasized that the Policy Tool was designed not just for governments, but for everyone shaping the digital economy, ensuring that innovation drives us forward without leaving our principles behind. 'This is not just another checklist. This is a principled stand.' AlYahya declared. 'The DCO AI Ethics Evaluator takes our Member States' shared values and turns them into real, enforceable action, confronting algorithmic bias, data exploitation, and the hidden ethical blind spots of AI. It is built on global best practices and grounded in the fundamentals of human rights. This tool gives developers, regulators, and innovators the power to transform abstract ethics into tangible accountability.' 'From fairness audits and privacy safeguards to transparency scoring and accountability mechanisms, the Evaluator guides users through real risk assessments across six critical dimensions, delivering tailored recommendations for every role in the AI lifecycle.' She added, 'This isn't just a diagnostic, it's a compass. A tool to help nations and innovators stay on course toward human-centered, rights-driven AI. We launched it because ethical AI is not a luxury, it is urgent. It is non-negotiable. And it is a responsibility we all share.' Following the Minister's remarks, Alaa Abdulaal, Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence at the DCO, offered a quick walk-through of the AI Ethics Evaluator. 'The future of AI will not be shaped by how fast we code, but by the values that we choose to encode. The AI Ethics Evaluator Policy Tool operationalizes the DCO principles through structured self-assessments that guide AI developers and deployers in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating ethical and human rights risks,' said Abdulaal. The launch event brought together ministers, policymakers, AI experts, and representatives from civil society worldwide, making meaningful contributions to the global dialogue on AI governance. The event concluded with a strong call for cross-sector collaboration to ensure the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. Delegates from several Member States and the private sector have already expressed interest in piloting the DCO AI Ethics Evaluator in their AI governance endeavors. With the launch of the AI Ethics Evaluator, the DCO reaffirms its leadership in promoting inclusive digital cooperation and ensuring that emerging technologies serve the interests of people, societies, and sustainable development. About the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) The Digital Cooperation Organization is the world's first standalone international intergovernmental organization focusing on the acceleration of the growth of an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. It is a global multilateral organization founded in November 2020 that aims to enable digital prosperity for all. The DCO brings together the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology of its Member States, and is focused on empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs, leveraging the accelerative power of the digital economy, and leapfrogging with innovation to drive economic growth and increase social prosperity. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) brings together ministries of communications and information technology in 16 countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Ghana, the Hellenic Republic (Greece), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - collectively representing nearly $3.5 trillion in GDP and a market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70% of whom are under the age of 35. Through cooperation and strategic dialogue, we drive the facilitation of mutually advantageous cross-border legislation. The DCO seeks to establish within its Member States the optimal infrastructure and policies for the rapid creation of inclusive and equitable digital economies within which all people, businesses, and societies can innovate and thrive. The DCO's vision is to work towards a world in which every nation, business, and person has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. In pursuit of the Member States' common interests, the DCO works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to enable more inclusive digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy. The DCO's key initiatives include programs to enhance cross-border data flows, promote market expansion for SMEs, empower digital entrepreneurs, and advance digital inclusion among women, and the youth, and other underrepresented populations. Since 2022, the DCO has also been granted observer status to organizations such as the United Nations General Assembly, private sector, civil society and academia, allowing them to engage in initiatives and collaborate on digital economy advancements.
National Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
One Model Named "Ethical AI Solution of the Year" in 2025 AI Breakthrough Awards
Article content AUSTIN, Texas — One Model, the People Analytics platform trusted by enterprise HR teams, today announced that it has been named 'Ethical AI Solution of the Year' in the 8th annual AI Breakthrough Awards. The program, which received more than 5,000 nominations from 20+ countries, honors the top companies, products, and leaders in AI around the world. Article content Article content 'We've built our platform on the idea that AI should be transparent, usable, and grounded in reality,' said Chris Butler, CEO of One Model. Built for Today's CHRO Article content CHROs are facing complex demands—shrinking budgets, increasing scrutiny, and the need to make sensitive workforce decisions with speed and precision. For them, ethical AI isn't a bonus. It's the baseline. Transparent, defensible data is the only way to earn trust with their teams, peers, and boards. That's exactly what One Model was built to deliver. Article content What Sets One Model Apart Article content One Model turns messy, siloed workforce data into structured insight that HR teams can actually use. It provides full transparency into every model, variable, and recommendation—so users can see how predictions are made, and why. No black boxes. No guesswork. Article content With One AI Recipes, HR teams can build predictive models step-by-step using intuitive templates. They can adjust for variables like tenure, performance, geography, or demographics—all without needing data science expertise. And with One AI Assistant, a generative tool, HR leaders can uncover trends, spot outliers, and get fast, tailored recommendations from their own data—without waiting on a dashboard or a data team. Article content A Commitment to Transparency Article content 'We've built our platform on the idea that AI should be transparent, usable, and grounded in reality,' said Chris Butler, CEO of One Model. 'This award is a reflection of that philosophy—and of our belief that HR leaders deserve clear, defensible answers to the hardest people questions. That's what we're here to continue delivering.' Article content Industry Recognition Article content 'One Model sets itself apart by addressing the challenges faced by HR professionals with its flexible, transparent, and accessible AI-powered people analytics platform. One of the biggest challenges in adopting AI for HR is fragmented workforce data across systems. Most AI solutions rely on generalized data and obscure models, resulting in insights that don't align with specific organizational needs,' said Steve Johansson, managing director at AI Breakthrough. 'Through data transparency, ethical AI, and customizable, user-friendly tools, One Model is revolutionizing people analytics. It empowers HR professionals to make informed decisions with confidence, driving real business outcomes.' Article content About the AI Breakthrough Awards Article content The AI Breakthrough Awards program highlights excellence across a broad set of categories, including Generative AI, NLP, AIOps, Agentic AI, Robotics, and industry-specific applications. Now in its eighth year, the awards shine a spotlight on the companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Article content About One Model Article content One Model helps organizations unlock the full value of their workforce data. The platform combines secure data orchestration, advanced analytics, machine learning, and narrative storytelling to drive smarter, faster decisions. To learn more, visit Article content About AI Breakthrough Article content Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AI Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Artificial Intelligence technologies, services, companies and products. The AI Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of AI companies and products in categories including Generative AI, Machine Learning, AI Platforms, Robotics, Business Intelligence, AI Hardware, Computer Vision and more. For more information visit Article content Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
One Model Named 'Ethical AI Solution of the Year' in 2025 AI Breakthrough Awards
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 30, 2025-- One Model, the People Analytics platform trusted by enterprise HR teams, today announced that it has been named 'Ethical AI Solution of the Year' in the 8th annual AI Breakthrough Awards. The program, which received more than 5,000 nominations from 20+ countries, honors the top companies, products, and leaders in AI around the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: One Model wins Ethical AI Solution making HR Teams feel confident in using AI. Built for Today's CHRO CHROs are facing complex demands—shrinking budgets, increasing scrutiny, and the need to make sensitive workforce decisions with speed and precision. For them, ethical AI isn't a bonus. It's the baseline. Transparent, defensible data is the only way to earn trust with their teams, peers, and boards. That's exactly what One Model was built to deliver. What Sets One Model Apart One Model turns messy, siloed workforce data into structured insight that HR teams can actually use. It provides full transparency into every model, variable, and recommendation—so users can see how predictions are made, and why. No black boxes. No guesswork. With One AI Recipes, HR teams can build predictive models step-by-step using intuitive templates. They can adjust for variables like tenure, performance, geography, or demographics—all without needing data science expertise. And with One AI Assistant, a generative tool, HR leaders can uncover trends, spot outliers, and get fast, tailored recommendations from their own data—without waiting on a dashboard or a data team. A Commitment to Transparency 'We've built our platform on the idea that AI should be transparent, usable, and grounded in reality,' said Chris Butler, CEO of One Model. 'This award is a reflection of that philosophy—and of our belief that HR leaders deserve clear, defensible answers to the hardest people questions. That's what we're here to continue delivering.' Industry Recognition 'One Model sets itself apart by addressing the challenges faced by HR professionals with its flexible, transparent, and accessible AI-powered people analytics platform. One of the biggest challenges in adopting AI for HR is fragmented workforce data across systems. Most AI solutions rely on generalized data and obscure models, resulting in insights that don't align with specific organizational needs,' said Steve Johansson, managing director at AI Breakthrough. 'Through data transparency, ethical AI, and customizable, user-friendly tools, One Model is revolutionizing people analytics. It empowers HR professionals to make informed decisions with confidence, driving real business outcomes.' About the AI Breakthrough Awards The AI Breakthrough Awards program highlights excellence across a broad set of categories, including Generative AI, NLP, AIOps, Agentic AI, Robotics, and industry-specific applications. Now in its eighth year, the awards shine a spotlight on the companies shaping the future of artificial intelligence. About One Model One Model helps organizations unlock the full value of their workforce data. The platform combines secure data orchestration, advanced analytics, machine learning, and narrative storytelling to drive smarter, faster decisions. To learn more, visit About AI Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AI Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Artificial Intelligence technologies, services, companies and products. The AI Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of AI companies and products in categories including Generative AI, Machine Learning, AI Platforms, Robotics, Business Intelligence, AI Hardware, Computer Vision and more. For more information visit Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. View source version on CONTACT: Shiann Weiss [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE DATA ANALYTICS HUMAN RESOURCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATA MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY SECURITY SOURCE: One Model Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/30/2025 07:30 AM/DISC: 06/30/2025 07:31 AM
