AI Ethics: Leaders Push for Collaboration in Regulation, Innovation

At the 2024 TIME100 Summit, esteemed leaders discussed the importance of ethical AI innovation. Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, Group Chief Operating Officer of Northern Data Group, emphasized the imperative for collaboration between tech companies and policymakers to establish effective regulation. She highlighted the benefits of AI, emphasizing that it is a tool shaped by human values and should reflect the best of society.

Artificial Intelligence's Ethical Trajectory: Industry Leaders Advocate for Collaborative Regulation and Innovation

New York City, April 24, 2024 - At the TIME100 Summit, a gathering of influential figures from various sectors, industry leaders and innovators delved into the compelling topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ethical implications. The summit, convened by TIME magazine, brought a diverse range of perspectives on the transformative technology.

Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, Group Chief Operating Officer of Northern Data Group, a leading player in the AI industry, emphasized the interconnectedness of regulation and innovation. She maintained that technology companies and industry leaders have a responsibility to actively engage in the shaping of responsible AI regulations. "Not actively contributing through lobbying would be a huge miss for us," she stated, highlighting the need for constructive involvement in the regulatory process.

Kincaid-Smith also addressed concerns surrounding the potential negative impacts of AI, particularly on the workforce. She argued that it is important to refrain from demonizing AI, emphasizing that it is a human-created tool that reflects our own values and biases. "We forget to remind ourselves that Artificial Intelligence is artificial," she said. "It's not natural...It's an artifact of our own learning, of human culture, of human history...so it's incumbent on us to make sure it reflects the best of us."

Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer of IBM, shared the company's ongoing investments in climate modeling. IBM's collaboration with NASA involves the development of an AI foundation model designed to enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of weather forecasting.

Mathias Wikström, CEO of Doconomy, a fintech company focused on sustainable finance, underscored the critical role of climate literacy in the pursuit of climate justice. Wikström emphasized that empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to understand their carbon footprint is essential for driving meaningful change.

The TIME100 Summit, a platform for forward-thinking leaders from around the globe, explores solutions and inspires action towards a more equitable and sustainable world. This year's event featured renowned speakers from various fields, including politics, business, healthcare, science, and culture.

Notable attendees included actor Elliot Page, fashion designer Tory Burch, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, WNBA champion A'ja Wilson, acclaimed author Margaret Atwood, NYSE President Lynn Martin, comedian Alex Edelman, renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio, former Secretary of State John Kerry, and Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda.

The TIME100 Summit received support from a consortium of sponsors, including Booking.com, Citi, Merck, Northern Data Group, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Verizon.

For further inquiries, please contact Sanya Mansoor at sanya.mansoor@time.com.