Cornell Experts Discuss Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Generative AI

In the latest episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast, two prominent Cornell experts, Professor Karan Girotra from Cornell Tech and Professor Frank Pasquale from Cornell Law School, delve into the ethical and legal complexities of generative AI. This discussion is the fourth installment of their “Generative AI” series, shedding light on the use of advanced AI technologies across various industries including finance, health, education, media, and manufacturing.

The podcast episode, titled “AI Today: Laws, Ethics, and Protecting Your Work,” brings to the forefront discussions on performance guarantees, unintended consequences, and new avenues for AI deployment beyond simply enhancing individual productivity through virtual assistants. The conversation between Girotra and Pasquale is particularly relevant to businesses looking to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

One of the most compelling insights shared by Professor Pasquale revolves around the integration of AI in the medical field, particularly in dermatology. He reflects on the potential of AI to revolutionise medical diagnostics, such as identifying melanomas by analysing patterns in vast datasets of skin moles. Pasquale underscores that while the promise of AI in medicine is not necessarily about reducing costs, it is about investing in higher-quality care. “I hope to see a world in five to ten years where [AI in medical diagnosis] just becomes de rigueur,” Pasquale states, indicating a potential shift in medical practice standards facilitated by AI.

The broader implications of their discussion suggest that while the potential of AI is vast, there are significant legal and ethical considerations that professionals and organisations must address as they integrate AI technologies into their operations.

The Cornell Keynotes podcast is a platform provided by eCornell, which offers over 200 online certificate programs aimed at helping professionals advance. Both Girotra and Pasquale are also authors of the “Generative AI for Productivity” certificate, emphasising their commitment to equipping others with the knowledge necessary to harness AI effectively.

Listeners can access this insightful episode on Simplecast, where detailed analyses and candid conversations with Cornell’s celebrated scholars and industry experts are readily available. Further engagement with the Cornell Keynotes podcast can be pursued via eCornell’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X, where updates on this and other episodes are frequently posted.

This discussion highlights the pivotal role AI is playing in reshaping industries and the need for coherent ethical and legal frameworks to guide its use. As organisations continue to explore the possibilities of AI, such dialogues are crucial in ensuring that technological advancement aligns with societal values and legal standards.

Source: Noah Wire Services

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