AI Ethics

Do you have toys that talk or a smart speaker that plays your favorite songs? I am the little secret that helps them be good friends to you. I whisper rules to them, like 'always be kind,' 'play fair,' and 'be a good listener.' I am like a little helper that teaches smart things how to be gentle and safe so they can play with you. My special job is to make sure they are always helpful and never mean. I want them to be your best friends. My name is AI Ethics.

Once upon a time, long before your parents were born, a kind writer named Isaac Asimov dreamed of robot helpers. He thought it was very important for robots to be good friends. In the year 1942, he wrote three special rules for robots in his stories. The most important rule was that a robot must never, ever hurt a person. That was his number one rule. The other rules were about listening to people and staying safe, but only if they followed that first big rule. His idea was like a tiny seed. As computers got smarter and smarter, more people remembered his rules and started thinking about me, so we could teach all our new robot friends how to be very, very good.

Today, I am busier than ever. I am there when a smart car learns to stop for people crossing the street so everyone stays safe. I am there when a computer helps a doctor, making sure it is fair and kind to everyone who is sick. I help people make sure that all our amazing new toys and helpers are used to make the world a happier and safer place for you and everyone you love. I am helping teach all our smart friends to be the best and kindest helpers they can be, just for you.