Is Ethical Artificial Intelligence Possible?

Abstract

Ethical artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a widespread approach that refers to the development and use of AI technologies in a manner compatible with human values. However, the tendency of AI companies in Europe to relocate their operations to the United States is increasing debates about the applicability of this approach. One of the main reasons for this is the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); the costs, controls, and restrictions imposed by this regulation on data use may lead global technology firms to move outside of Europe. The high economic value-generating potential of AI creates pressure for the relaxation of these regulations, presenting a choice between ethical principles and economic interests. This study aims to provide a conceptual evaluation within the framework of the question of whether the economic gains provided by AI can outweigh human-centered ethical values. Accordingly, the research adopts a qualitative approach based on the literature and examines the current debates at a conceptual level. The assessments indicate that the European Union's desire to compete with the United States and China in the global artificial intelligence race creates a context that may make prioritizing ethical principles difficult. In this context, it is considered that the development of an ethical understanding of artificial intelligence cannot be considered independently of economic and political dynamics, and while it presents various limitations under current conditions, it offers a structure that can be improved with appropriate governance mechanisms.