Ethical Principles for Conversational AI from edX

Conversational AI/voice technology is the ability to interact with devices and systems using natural language speech. It has become increasingly popular and widespread in recent years, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition. The technology can be found in various applications, such as smart speakers, smart assistants, chatbots, voice search, voice commerce, voice biometrics, voice analytics, customer service automation (IVR), and generative AI tools (chatGPT).

****Conversation AI//voice technology has many benefits for users and businesses alike. It can provide access to the digital world for people who have difficulties with typing or seeing, such as those with disabilities, low literacy, or low vision. It can also enhance productivity, convenience, safety, and engagement by enabling hands-free and eyes-free communication and control. Moreover, it can create personalized and immersive experiences. Within an enterprise organization, voice technology can lead to productivity enhancements, e.g., automation of processes in call centers, training facilitation, expedited information sharing, etc.

****However, voice technology also poses some pressing questions that need to be addressed: ****

What are conversational AI/voice specific issues of ethical and moral concern, and how do we define them?
What are the values to be promoted for ethical interaction with conversational/voice AI technology?
What are the rights to be respected for successful and ethical experiences?
What preventative measures can we take to protect people from specific harm?
What can we do to cover gaps that are not yet fully covered by existing laws and guidelines?
What can we learn from past harmful incidents and vulnerabilities, and how can we prevent them from happening in the future?

This course discusses the use and value of voice technology to provide access to the digital world and bring tangible improvements to people’s lives, the ethical challenges and impact of conversational/voice AI, and the principles and frameworks to avoid potential harm in humans interacting with the technology. This course offers practical guidance on value to be promoted, the rights to be respected, and preventative measures to be taken for successful, ethical voice experiences.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain how conversational ai/voice technology can empower people to access the digital world and enhance their well-being
Discuss the ethical issues and implications of conversational/voice ai
Use conversational/voice technology ethically and effectively to improve people's lives and access to the digital world

Evaluate the ethical issues and impact of conversational/voice ai on privacy, data collection, children and other vulnerable users, and cultural biases
Understand ethical principles and frameworks to design conversational/voice experiences that avoid harm and create value

Explain how conversational ai/voice technology can empower people to access the digital world and enhance their well-being
Discuss the ethical issues and implications of conversational/voice ai
Use conversational/voice technology ethically and effectively to improve people's lives and access to the digital world
Evaluate the ethical issues and impact of conversational/voice ai on privacy, data collection, children and other vulnerable users, and cultural biases
Understand ethical principles and frameworks to design conversational/voice experiences that avoid harm and create value

Syllabus

Welcome / Introduction to the Open Voice Network

Chapter 1: What do we mean by Conversational / Voice AI?

Chapter 2: What’s at Stake? The Benefits and Risks of Conversational / Voice AI (global legal and regulatory landscape)

Chapter 3: Voice Data Analysis

Chapter 4: Ethical Framework for Trustworthy Experiences

Chapter 5: The TrustMark Initiative of the Open Voice Network

Final Exam (verified track only)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides insight into the ethical challenges that can arise when implementing conversational AI and voice-based systems

Helps learners gain a strong foundation in the ethical principles and frameworks associated with Conversational AI

Offers a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and risks of conversational AI

Suitable for individuals who want to ensure responsible and ethical implementation of conversational AI technology

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethical Principles for Conversational AI with these activities:

Review Voice Recognition Technologies

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Refresh your knowledge of voice recognition technologies, ensuring a solid understanding of the foundational concepts and techniques.

Browse courses on Voice Recognition

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Review the principles of speech recognition
Explore different voice recognition algorithms and techniques

Review Machine Learning Concepts

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Strengthen your foundation in machine learning principles, enhancing your comprehension of the underlying algorithms and techniques used in conversational AI.

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Review fundamental concepts such as supervised and unsupervised learning
Practice applying common machine learning algorithms

Practice NLP Techniques for Conversational AI

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Reinforce and enhance your understanding of NLP techniques through repetitive exercises, improving your technical proficiency.

Browse courses on Natural Language Processing

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Identify and practice named entity recognition techniques
Practice sentiment analysis and text classification
Experiment with different NLP models and algorithms

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Write a Blog Post on Ethical Issues in Conversational AI

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Summarize and reflect on the ethical challenges and implications of conversational AI, fostering critical thinking and knowledge retention.

Browse courses on AI Ethics

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Research and gather information on ethical issues in conversational AI
Organize and outline your ideas
Write and refine your blog post

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Principles for Conversational AI will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make informed decisions. They work with large datasets to identify patterns and trends, and they develop models to predict future outcomes. This course would be helpful for Data Scientists who are working with conversational AI/voice data, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this data and how to use it responsibly.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and deploy machine learning models. They work with data scientists to identify the right models for a given problem, and they develop the code to train and deploy these models. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who are working on conversational AI/voice models, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to design models that are both accurate and fair.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with product managers and designers to understand the requirements of a software application, and they develop the code to implement these requirements. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who are working on conversational AI/voice applications, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to design applications that are both useful and ethical.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the lifecycle of a product, from its ideation, through its development and marketing, to its eventual sale to consumers. They work closely with engineers, designers, and marketers to ensure that the product meets the needs of the market and is successful in the marketplace. This course may be useful for Product Managers who are working on conversational AI/voice products, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to design products that are both useful and ethical.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, including ethical issues. They work with organizations to identify ethical risks, develop ethical policies, and implement ethical practices. This course may be useful for Consultants who are working with organizations that are using conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to advise organizations on how to use it ethically.

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UX Designer

UX Designers design the user experience for software applications. They work with product managers and engineers to create applications that are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. This course may be useful for UX Designers who are working on conversational AI/voice applications, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to design applications that are both useful and ethical.

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Privacy Analyst

Privacy Analysts help organizations to protect the privacy of their customers. They review data collection practices, identify risks to privacy, and develop policies and procedures to protect customer data. This course may be useful for Privacy Analysts who are working with conversational AI/voice data, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this data and how to protect it from misuse.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including ethics. They work with scholars and policymakers to identify research questions, design research studies, and publish their findings. This course may be useful for Researchers who are conducting research on conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to conduct research on it ethically.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, including ethics. They work with students to develop critical thinking skills, understand ethical concepts, and apply ethical principles to real-world situations. This course may be useful for Educators who are teaching about conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to teach students about it.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. They work with clients to understand their legal rights, develop legal strategies, and advocate for their clients in court. This course may be useful for Lawyers who are working on cases related to conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to represent their clients effectively.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on news and current events. They work with editors to identify stories, research and write articles, and present their findings to the public. This course may be useful for Journalists who are covering stories related to conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to report on it accurately and fairly.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors develop and implement policies for governments and organizations. They work with policymakers to identify the need for new policies, develop policy proposals, and advocate for the adoption of these policies. This course may be useful for Policy Advisors who are working on policies related to conversational AI/voice technology, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to develop policies that protect the public interest.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the behavior of people in society. They work with communities to understand their social structure, institutions, and culture. This course may be useful for Sociologists who are studying the impact of conversational AI/voice technology on society, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to conduct research on it ethically.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior of humans in different cultures and societies. They work with communities to understand their history, culture, and social organization. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who are studying the impact of conversational AI/voice technology on different cultures, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to conduct research on it ethically.

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Ethnographer

Ethnographers study the behavior of people in their natural environments. They work with communities to understand their culture, values, and beliefs. This course may be useful for Ethnographers who are studying the impact of conversational AI/voice technology on communities, as it will help them understand the ethical implications of this technology and how to conduct research on it ethically.

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