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bcgov / digital-principles

A set of principles to guide the Province of BC's continued Digital Government evolution
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3. Integrate ethics #15

Open ksingbeil opened 4 years ago

ksingbeil commented 4 years ago

This principle still doesn't ring quite true for me. It makes ethics seem just about technology and product development - and I'm not sure what 'ethics in mind' is specifically asking me to do.

Suggested edits:

  1. Integrate ethics Take an ethical approach to engaging with users, considering new technologies and developing new products or services. Uphold the Standards of Conduct and practice GBA+ and other approaches to help you consider possible ethical, social and cultural implications. Ensure there is clear oversight and documentation for automated decision-making processes (e.g.: when using artificial intelligence).
jeremy-vernon-bcgov commented 4 years ago

I would suggest instead of "Take an ethical approach to engaging with users, considering new technologies and developing new products or services."

Something like: Consider ethics first in all digital initiatives such as engaging with users, evaluating new technologies and developing new products or services.

or

"Consider ethical challenges above all other considerations when...such as..."

One, to my eyes, must always consider the counter-claim, so, "take an ethical approach" - would anyone seriously contend we should take an unethical approach? Whereas I think what we really mean is something like we should put considerations of ethics above all other considerations.

Two, enumerating lists without indicating that they illustrative potentially invites people to interpret them as exhaustive. So adding "such as" or equivalent is probably wise.