Following the adoption of the G7 Code of Conduct for AI, Milestone Systems is now seeking to incorporate the forthcoming European Union AI Act into its operational framework.
Following the adoption of the G7 Code of Conduct for AI, Milestone Systems is now seeking to incorporate the forthcoming European Union AI Act into its operational framework. In a discussion with asmag.com, CEO Thomas Jensen remarked on the importance of responsible business conduct, emphasizing its significance not just ethically, but also from a commercial standpoint.
“We are already looking at how we can be prepared to integrate the upcoming European Union AI Act legislation into our practices,” Jensen said.
“We think that in the future, it will be more important for companies to show they do things right and act responsibly. So, we want to help our partners embrace these principles, too. We believe it could help them get more business and win more procurement opportunities.”
Aligning G7 and company values
Milestone Systems has reiterated its commitment to Responsible Technology as a cornerstone of its corporate ethos. According to Jensen, this principle is about creating technology that not only fosters trust and well-being among citizens but also addresses the potential for misuse and negative consequences.
As society increasingly calls for technology to serve the greater good, expectations are rising for firms like Milestone to prioritize ethical considerations in their innovations.
“It’s central to our company values,” Jensen said. “In a nutshell, it means we strive to provide technology that improves the trust and well-being of citizens and societies while actively addressing unintended use and side effects.”
Jensen highlighted Milestone's proactive steps in this area, including the adoption of the G7 Code of Conduct into their policy framework for software development. The proposed policy aims to ensure that software creation and application meet rigorous standards of responsibility across all stages, with particular attention to developments in artificial intelligence (AI).
More and more people demand that technological progress should contribute to the common good – and they are absolutely right to do so. They now expect companies like Milestone to develop technology in a responsible manner.
“This is why we have embraced the G7 Code of Conduct and, for instance, integrated it into a draft policy for responsible software development,” Jensen added. “In essence, this policy will ensure that the design, development, and implementation of our software adhere to responsible practices throughout the product lifecycle, including any advancements in AI.”
Milestone's alignment with the G7 Code complements a series of measures the company has adopted, demonstrating its dedication to ethical practices. This includes the previous year's alignment with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, solidifying Milestone's position at the forefront of responsible technological development.
Countering AI’s weaknesses
In a recent statement, Jensen had highlighted the firm's proactive stance on AI development, stressing the imperative of not relying solely on future regulations to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in AI systems.
Underpinning this forward-thinking approach is Milestone's dynamic research division, which is currently delving into the realm of synthetic data. This innovative field involves the creation of computer-generated information as a means to enhance the robustness and reliability of AI without compromising on ethical standards.
“Synthetic data, also called computer-generated data, reduces the need to acquire real-world images that may raise privacy and ethical concerns,” Jensen said. “For instance, instead of obtaining footage of road collisions or patients falling in hospital wards – which could violate people’s privacy and dignity – Milestone can generate an unlimited number of lifelike simulations using graphic engines.”
The ability to generate an unlimited number of characters and objects opens the opportunity to create datasets that reflect many different scenarios. This can help researchers test AI models against a wide range of scenarios, helping them identify any flaws or biases that may exist.
Transparency in AI
The G7 Code of Conduct places a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability in the development and application of technology. In line with these values, Milestone has established a set of Responsible Technology principles that serve as a benchmark for the company's operations, ensuring that its practices are in harmony with these guiding tenets.
“Two key elements of these principles are transparency and fairness and inclusion,” Jensen said. “We are committed to providing documentation to customers and relevant stakeholders detailing our technology’s potential, limitations, and intended use and providing clear, timely, and actionable information for mitigating vulnerabilities. We are also committed to basing our technologies on the most accurate possible presumptions that are not prejudiced against any groups or individuals.”
Jensen illustrated Milestone's commitment to ethical practices by noting that the company is actively working on creating a training program aimed at equipping software developers with the skills to identify and reduce unconscious bias in their work.
Benefits and emerging use cases for AI-enabled video
Emerging trends indicate that artificial intelligence is poised to catalyze a significant transformation across various sectors, offering new applications that reach beyond the conventional scope of security measures.
“Take hospitals, for example,” Jensen said. “They rely on security video systems to safeguard people and assets. Interestingly, this same infrastructure can already be utilized to monitor and detect when a patient falls out of bed. AI advancements have the potential to enhance this even further. AI can also be deployed in harbors to prevent drowning incidents or enhance traffic management systems in cities.”
The versatility of AI in augmenting existing security infrastructures across different environments heralds a new era of safety and efficiency. From healthcare to public safety, the intelligent application of AI promises not only to protect but also to proactively prevent incidents, underscoring its integral role in the advancement of societal well-being.