Responsible AI
Responsible AI refers to the design, deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems that are human-centred and human-controlled, trustworthy, inclusive, non-discriminatory and environmentally responsible.
Definition
The rapid spread of generative AI has brought these systems into the everyday operation of organisations. Responsible AI addresses this by setting requirements across the whole lifecycle of a system: choice of use case, training data, transparency, human oversight and environmental footprint.
The Institut du Numérique Responsable has formalised this approach in its AI Charter, which complements the Responsible Digital Charter and aligns with the European AI Act.
The four principles of the AI Charter
1. AI at the service of humanity
- Develop AI that strengthens the central role of employees while extending their capabilities
- Build uses together with staff, through social dialogue and feedback
- Train personnel in the proper use of AI and its impacts
- Respect autonomy at work, the quality of social interaction and the meaning of work
- Include respect for international treaties protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law in procurement specifications
2. Inclusive and ethical AI
- Respect equity, diversity and non-discrimination
- Put in place mechanisms ensuring data quality and preventing gender, ethnic or religious bias
- Organise responses to discrimination arising from biased data
- Make AI-based digital services accessible to people with disabilities
3. Trustworthy AI
- Inform users that they are interacting with an AI system, and disclose data sources
- Explain how the algorithms work in a clear and accessible way
- Ensure human oversight of high-risk activities
- Strengthen system robustness against cyberattacks
4. Eco-responsible AI
- Verify that the use case is genuinely useful before any deployment
- Favour frugal AI models with efficient resource usage
- Measure and minimise the environmental footprint across the system lifecycle
- Apply eco-responsible practices to both training and deployment
Signing
The AI Charter may be signed by any public or private organisation, either on its own or together with the Responsible Digital Charter.
