Interview with Elías Bethencourt Parodi, Commercial Director for Latin America at pfstech, AI ethics and governance expert, for Corresponsables. Interview conducted by Laura Eguiluz, Director of Institutional Relations at Corresponsables
“AI regulation is essential to prevent the multiplication of inequality”
- The IMF estimates that AI will affect 40% of job positions in the coming years
- Governments must facilitate AI education and regulation, while companies need to align their AI usage with clear ethical principles
Elías Bethencourt Parodi, Commercial Director for Latin America at PFSTECH, shares with Corresponsables his insights on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and how this technology is transforming the labour market and society. In this interview, Bethencourt provides a deep analysis of the implications of AI, from its development to its future impact on our lives.
AI ethics is a crucial issue today. From your perspective, what are the main ethical challenges that artificial intelligence faces in its current and future development?
AI ethics faces many challenges. Some of these issues were already being discussed, but they have now moved from theory to practice, affecting our daily lives. One example is the classic trolley dilemma in philosophy, where a tough decision between saving a group of people or an individual now reflects in an autonomous car. How should it make a decision in an unavoidable situation? This kind of programming comes with great responsibility. Moreover, we face issues like algorithmic biases, data privacy, and copyright, among others.
Generative AI is just one part of the broader picture. What do you see as the differences between it, General AI (AGI), and Superintelligent AI (ASI), and what impact do you anticipate they will have on society?
The generative AI is part of what is known as Narrow AI, meaning algorithms that are very good at specific tasks. Then we have General AI, which refers to algorithms that match humans in any task. Finally, superintelligence is self-improving AI that reaches a level of self-awareness. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is just the beginning of this revolution. Unlike previous technologies, generative AI can create content on its own, which is already changing the world.
AI has shown to reproduce certain gender biases and other forms of discrimination. What measures do you propose to prevent algorithms from amplifying these prejudices and ensure AI decisions are ethical and fair?
The challenge is for AI to be more ethical than humans. Often, algorithms learn from what we do, not from what we say. To mitigate these biases, an AI governance model with an integral approach is essential. For example, we have seen cases of algorithms discriminating against people based on gender or race, such as the case in the US of an algorithm helping judges decide on criminal recidivism that ended up discriminating against Black people. Therefore, transparency and traceability in AI development are vital.
With automation and AI transforming the labour market, what key actions do you believe governments and companies should take to mitigate the impact on jobs and maintain social cohesion?
The IMF estimates that AI will affect 40% of job positions in the coming years. This does not mean all those jobs will be lost, but that some will transform, others will disappear, and new ones will emerge. That’s why we need to prepare for this transition, educating people in critical skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and flexibility. Governments must facilitate this education and regulation of AI, while companies need to align their use of AI with clear ethical principles.
We have seen Europe lead regulatory efforts in the AI field. How do you think the recent AI law in Europe and the partnership with CELAG will affect AI implementation and regulation in Latin America?
The European law is a global benchmark for AI regulation. Europe is positioning itself as a referee in this field, protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. Many Latin American countries have signed agreements to align their regulations with those of the European Union, which is positive. However, there is great political diversity in Latin America, which could slow down this process. Nonetheless, it is crucial to start working on regulations that are safe for society.
What role do you think regulations should play in ensuring that this technology is beneficial and does not cause irreversible harm to society?
Regulation is essential. AI can cure diseases, prevent accidents, and combat climate change, but it can also increase inequality or be used for mass surveillance. Regulation must guide AI development to generate economic and social benefits. Moreover, a collaborative approach involving academia, governments, businesses, and NGOs is needed to ensure an appropriate regulatory framework.
AI has democratised access to advanced technologies, but it has also increased inequalities in some areas. What role do ethics and governance play in reducing these technological gaps and ensuring more equitable access to the benefits of AI?
Ethics is key. Principles transcend rules, and values transcend principles. AI ethics must be framed within the challenges of the 21st century. This must be present not only in regulation but at all levels of society. In practice, companies and governments must implement ethical AI governance models, working at all stages of development to mitigate biases, ensure transparency, and guarantee human oversight.
As AI evolves, how do you imagine the balance between artificial intelligence and human intelligence in making critical decisions, both in businesses and in daily life?
I believe we will become accustomed to working with AI in almost every area. From simple tasks to complex decisions, AI will help us push the boundaries of human knowledge. In the short term, we will see how different AI applications integrate into our everyday lives, both personally and professionally.
