Morally Significant Technology: A Case Against Mere Corporate Self-regulation

Morley, S

doi:10.4337/9781800889262.00010

Morally Significant Technology: A Case Against Mere Corporate Self-regulation

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sarah Morley ORCiD

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This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a book chapter that has been published in its final definitive form by Edward Elgar, 2023.

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Abstract

A forthcoming challenge for corporate regulation is the emergence of new technology through advances in artificial intelligence. Whilst these developments are hugely beneficial to society they raise ethical dilemmas and create potential for significant harm; such as the development of facial recognition software and video and audio manipulation tools used in fake news. At present no regulation exists which specifically addresses the responsibility of corporations in the development, operation, and disposal of these technologies. How we fill these regulatory gaps must be considered. There are two regulatory strategies that can be used: one is hard regulation and the other is a soft regulatory strategy, often referred to as self-regulation or CSR. This article argues that, whilst CSR will always have a role to play, its effectiveness in encouraging companies to behave well is limited. Without this enquiry we may unwittingly grant corporations too much control without appropriate redress for harm.