Ethics in AI
AI usage from an ethical perspective
AI usage from an ethical perspective
Written by Martin Ågren - May 28, 2026
Humans should always be responsible for texts and for important decisions. AI should be a collaboration partner (not a replacement).
AI bias means that AI can generate biased or prejudiced output that may benefit or disadvantage certain groups or perspectives.
Bias in AI systems is problematic from an ethical perspective because the AI-generated material may be perceived as discriminatory or unfair.
Always handle personal data responsibly with respect for personal privacy. Example: Disable training data to avoid personal data being used as training data in the development of AI models. One can also view legislation (GDPR) as guidance when it comes to working ethically with AI regarding personal privacy.
Be transparent regarding the use of AI. When people interact with AI systems, they should be informed that this is the case.
Example: Assume that a customer chats with customer service via a website. In that situation, it is important that the customer is informed that it is an AI model (and not a human) they are chatting with. Otherwise, there is a risk that the customer will feel misled.
AI systems can be difficult to understand because it is often hard to follow in detail exactly how the model arrived at a certain result. Therefore, people sometimes say that AI can be perceived as a "black box."
There is a debate that transparency regarding how AI works is important. The argument is that it is important for people to understand technical systems that have a major impact on our lives and society, and that organizations that use or develop AI have a responsibility to strive for high transparency.
UNESCO has developed several international frameworks that help students, teachers, researchers, and others in education to use AI in an ethical and responsible way within education and research. Recommended further reading:
AI competency framework for students:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-competency-framework-students
AI competency framework for teachers:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/ai-competency-framework-teachers
Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/guidance-generative-ai-education-and-research
As a manager or leader, you should ensure that AI is used in an ethical and responsible way through clear guidelines, training, human oversight of AI-generated material, as well as transparency toward employees and customers.