CIOT AI Webinar Series: AI in Ethics

Over lunchtime, CIOT Chief Executive Helen Whiteman led the webinar which examined the safe and responsible use of AI to help members build confidence in applying AI within the tax sector.

AI has the potential to revolutionise industries, boost productivity and solve complex global challenges. However, with this immense power comes significant responsibility. How do we ensure that these systems, which have such a profound influence on individuals and society, are developed and used in ways that are ethical and just? At the core of this conversation are three key concepts that highlight some of the most pressing ethical concerns in AI – privacy, explainability and bias.

The webinar included a panel of expert speakers – Dr Mhairi Aitken, Ethics Fellow in the Public Policy Programme at The Alan Turing Institute; Nuala Polo, AI Assurance Lead in the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit in the UK government; and Marc Leach, Professional Standards Officer at CIOT – who all shared their views and valuable insights.

Helen set the scene about AI being embedded in nearly every aspect of our lives. She spoke about the importance of understanding the ethical implications of technologies for the tax sector and how we can ensure that systems are developed and used in ways that are ethical and just.

Dr Mhairi Aitken highlighted the issues and challenges in implementing AI in taxation, and its impact on legislation, policy, regulations and people.

Nuala Polo discussed the UK government’s approach to AI governance. The Responsible Technology Adoption Unit works on promoting the development and adoption of tools for trustworthy AI Assurance and Standards.

Marc Leach highlighted member obligations under professional conduct in relation to tax (PCRT), as well as governance structures. He considered issues relating to fairness, explainability and accountability, and highlighted an AI ethics framework.

Thank you to our panellists for their insights.

We look forward to hosting our final webinar in the CIOT AI Webinar Series, which takes place at 12:30, 20 November:Building an AI Resilient Workforce. Register for this webinar at:www.tax.org.uk/ciot-ai-webinar-series