The ethics in artificial intelligence: How can we ensure responsible use of AI?

From recommendation systems on streaming platforms to financial analysis tools and health applications, the impact of AI on daily life is growing. However, with this advancement comes a central question: How can we ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly?

Discussing the ethics of artificial intelligence is not just an academic luxury or an exclusive debate for experts. It is a necessary conversation that involves businesses, governments, and citizens, because the decisions we make today will shape the society we live in tomorrow.

Why is AI ethics important?

AI is not neutral. Algorithms learn from the data they receive, and if this data contains biases, the results will also be biased. Take, for example, a recruitment system that learns from past hiring histories. If discrimination was present in the past, the AI may reproduce this without anyone noticing at first glance.

This brings us to one of the key ethical challenges in artificial intelligence: ensuring that decisions made by machines are fair, transparent, and respect human rights. It’s not just about programming well but taking on social responsibility.

Key ethical challenges in AI

1. Transparency and explainability

Often, algorithms function as a “black box”. Users, and even those who design them, do not always understand how conclusions are reached. To build trust, it is crucial that AI can be explained and that people understand why certain recommendations are made.

2. Biases and discrimination

The data used to train systems reflects our society, and, as we know, our society is not free from inequalities. Preventing AI from amplifying these injustices requires continuous auditing and review processes.

3. Privacy and data protection

In a hyper-connected world, personal information is a valuable resource. AI handles vast amounts of data, raising concerns about who has access to it and how it’s used. Adhering to regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe is a fundamental step.

4. Impact on employment

A recurring concern is the effect of automation on the job market. While AI can create new opportunities, it also displaces certain jobs. The challenge lies in balancing this transformation by encouraging professional training and adaptation.

AI ethics in practice: real cases

We’re not just talking about theories. There are real examples showing how ethics (or the lack thereof) makes a difference:

• Facial Recognition in Public Spaces: used without adequate controls, it can become a tool for mass surveillance, violating privacy rights.
• AI in the Financial Sector: credit-granting algorithms need to be transparent and avoid socio-economic or racial biases.
• Medical Applications: AI-assisted diagnostics can save lives, but if the data quality or medical supervision is not guaranteed, it can also lead to serious errors.

These cases highlight that AI ethics is not an optional add-on but a central element in its development.

The role of businesses and governments

To move toward responsible AI use, both organizations and public institutions must commit to certain principles:

• Designing clear regulatory frameworks that define the limits and obligations of AI use.
• Promoting transparency in how algorithms are trained and applied.
• Fostering education on technology ethics within businesses and educational institutions.

The European Commission has been working on guidelines for trustworthy AI for years, and countries like Spain have launched national AI strategies with an ethical focus.

How can we prepare as professionals?

It’s not enough to point out the problems; we also need to prepare people to address them. The future job market will require profiles capable of combining technical knowledge with ethical sensitivity.

That’s why educational programs that integrate these two dimensions are becoming increasingly important. At Founderz, we offer a training program for companies that not only explores the uses of AI in different sectors but also addresses the risks and the importance of applying ethical criteria in decision-making.

What can we do as a society?

Ethics is not limited to the technical or business realm. As citizens, we can also demand responsible AI use:

• Asking for transparency about the tools we use daily.
• Valuing privacy and being conscious of what data we share.
• Participating in public debates that discuss the limits and opportunities of technology.

The greater the collective awareness, the harder it will be for AI to be used in an opaque or harmful way.

Looking to the future through the ethics of Artificial Intelligence

History shows that every technological innovation comes with ethical dilemmas. The printing press, the railroad, the internet… All of these transformations required a rethinking of rules and values. Artificial Intelligence is no different.

What is different is the speed: AI’s progress is so rapid that there is little room for improvisation. If we don’t act with foresight, we risk letting the technology slip out of our control.

That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize ethics in AI as a foundation for trust and sustainability. It’s not about slowing down innovation, but guiding it toward a path that benefits everyone.

The ethics of artificial intelligence is much more than an abstract concept: it is the foundation upon which we must build a fair, inclusive, and transparent technology. The ethical challenges of AI are real, but so are the opportunities to create a future where technology serves people.

Businesses, governments, and professionals all have a responsibility to act, and every decision counts. The question is not whether we should apply ethics to AI, but how and with what commitment.

At Founderz, we believe training is one of the keys to this change. That’s why, if you want to take a step further and become a professional capable of combining innovation and responsibility, we invite you to learn more about our company training program.

This post is also available in: Español