Copy of 1. Identifying Ethical Issues and Opportunities in AI4EO Research

Henryk Hodam

1.1 Basic Concepts

Welcome to the first video of our lesson, “Ethics in AI for Remote Sensing.” Presented by Minalin Kup, a guest professor at the Technical University of Munich and an affiliated researcher at the Institute for Ethics in AI, this lecture covers key concepts such as ethics, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making.

In this video, you’ll explore basic ethical terms and their application in scientific research, particularly in the context of AI and remote sensing. Topics include the Golden Rule of ethics, the principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness, and approaches like deontological and consequentialist ethics. This comprehensive overview sets the stage for more in-depth discussions in the subsequent videos of this course.

Join us with an open mind as we delve into the critical ethical challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.

YouTube — Basic Concepts of AI for Earth Observation

1.2 Applying Ethics to AI4EO

The next session focuses on the practical application of ethical principles in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) for Earth observation (EO). Building on the foundational concepts discussed in the first video, we explore why ethics are crucial in EO, especially when combined with AI technologies.

The session addresses key ethical concerns such as privacy, data governance, and the integration of high-resolution satellite imagery with AI systems. It also discusses the challenges and responsibilities faced by researchers and scientists in ensuring that AI applications in EO are ethical and responsible. The evolving legal frameworks, like the AI Act, are also highlighted, showcasing their role in shaping the ethical landscape in this field.

Through real-world examples, the video illustrates the potential ethical dilemmas and decisions researchers may encounter. This session aims to provide a deeper understanding of how to apply ethical considerations in daily research and the broader impact of these technologies on society and the environment.

1.3 Case Study

In the third video of our course, we explore a case study involving the use of AI for Earth observation (EO). The session examines the ethical considerations surrounding the identification and labeling of slum areas using satellite imagery. This case study highlights the potential ethical issues, such as stigmatization, privacy breaches, and socio-cultural misinterpretations, that can arise from such practices.

The video encourages viewers to think critically about the implications of labeling and the responsibilities of researchers and policymakers in applying ethical principles. It also introduces different ethical theories, including both Western and Eastern perspectives, to analyze and address these issues. This session aims to deepen your understanding of the ethical complexities in AI for EO and offers insights into responsible research practices.

That’s it for Ethics in AI4EO