The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for ethical considerations in the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare. After extensive deliberation among experts in ethics, digital technology, and law, the WHO released guidance aimed at ensuring that AI serves the public good while upholding human rights.
Ethical Concerns
The WHO identifies several ethical challenges associated with AI in health:
- Equity and Access: There is a risk that AI technologies may exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access, particularly for marginalized populations. The WHO emphasizes the importance of inclusive design that ensures equitable access to AI benefits.
- Data Privacy and Security: The use of AI often involves the collection and analysis of sensitive health data, raising concerns about patient privacy and the potential for misuse of data.
- Transparency and Accountability: The opaque nature of some AI algorithms can lead to a lack of transparency in decision-making processes, making it difficult for patients and healthcare providers to understand how AI recommendations are made.
Proposed AI Act
The WHO’s guidance proposes that AI technologies must adhere to the following principles:
- Human Rights-Centered Approach: AI systems should prioritize the protection of human rights, including privacy, dignity, and autonomy.
- Public Good: The design and implementation of AI should aim to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.
- Accountability: Clear mechanisms should be established to hold stakeholders accountable for the impacts of AI on healthcare.
For more information, you can access the WHO’s guidance on AI in health here.
