AI Governance and the Risk of Ethics Washing
At a recent annual conference organized by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) in Lagos, stakeholders gathered to discuss the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems on governance. The conference, themed “Reimagining Governance: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Revolution for Excellence,” highlighted the necessity for proper governance mechanisms as AI technologies continue to evolve.
Expert Insights on AI Governance
One notable speaker, Olajide Olugbade, an AI governance expert with extensive experience in Nigeria’s corporate governance landscape, provided critical insights into the importance of effective governance frameworks. With a background as a governance, risk, and compliance consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, Olugbade has advised numerous organizations on maintaining robust corporate governance systems, especially in light of digital transformation.
Currently, Olugbade serves as an Ethics and Policy Specialist in a significant $65 million federal government project in Georgia, USA, aimed at integrating AI into advanced manufacturing. His role involves developing AI governance frameworks to support the responsible deployment of AI systems.
The Importance of Accountability in AI Adoption
During his address at the ICSAN event, Olugbade emphasized the necessity of having effective accountability mechanisms in place for AI adoption. He warned organizations against the phenomenon of ethics washing, where companies publicly claim to embrace ethical governance by establishing ethics offices that often lack real authority or enforcement capability. He stated:
“Organizations should have effective accountability mechanisms to ensure AI adoption is done responsibly.”
Understanding Ethics Washing
Olugbade elaborated on the concept of ethics washing, citing a recent publication where he and colleagues observed that many organizations engage in this practice. They create ethics offices primarily for show, which do not fulfill their intended purpose of promoting responsible innovation within the organization.
To counteract this issue, Olugbade recommends that organizations should:
- Designate corporate governance mechanisms specifically for AI governance.
- Ensure these mechanisms possess the authority and organizational power to effectively respond to uncertainties.
- Maintain a central role within the organization’s operational framework.
Expanding Influence in AI Governance
Olugbade’s expertise is recognized at high levels of AI governance, policy, and ethics. He has contributed to evaluating barriers to AI and Machine Learning capabilities for a US government agency through his work at the RAND Corporation. Additionally, as a member of the United Nations Network of Experts on AI, he has provided consultancy services for the AI Advisory Body of the UN Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies, focusing on global AI governance.
His ongoing involvement in AI policy development extends to Uganda, where he collaborates with a policy advisory group on crafting AI policies that address local needs while adhering to international governance standards.
For organizations looking to navigate the complexities of AI governance, Olugbade’s insights serve as a vital reminder of the importance of authenticity and accountability in the ethical deployment of AI technologies.
