SAP's AI ethics: Augmenting human capability, not replacing human judgment

In a landmark move on August 1, SAP unveiled its comprehensive ethical guidelines for the development and use of generative AI and business AI applications. This update to their AI ethics policy marks a significant step forward in responsible AI governance, setting a new standard for the tech industry.

A foundation built on UNESCO recommendations

SAP's new ethics policy is not built in a vacuum. It draws inspiration from UNESCO's recommendations for ethical AI, demonstrating SAP's commitment to aligning with global standards and best practices. This approach not only ensures a robust ethical framework, but also positions SAP to adapt smoothly to future regulatory requirements.

The 10 principles: A closer look

At the heart of SAP's updated policy are ten guiding principles, each carefully crafted to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the business world.

• Principle 1: Proportionality and Do Not Harm
• Principle 2: Safety and Security
• Principle 3: Fairness and Non-Discrimination
• Principle 4: Sustainability
• Principle 5: Right to Privacy and Data Protection
• Principle 6: Human Oversight and Determination
• Principle 7: Transparency and Explainability
• Principle 8: Responsibility and Accountability
• Principle 9: Awareness and Literacy
• Principle 10: Multi-Stakeholder and Adaptive Governance and Collaboration

While all principles are crucial, let's spotlight one that exemplifies SAP's human-centric approach:

Principle 6: Human Oversight and Determination

As a Human Resources professional, I am always interested in the Human aspect. This principle states that ‘AI systems shall be subject to appropriate human oversight. The rights and freedoms of affected individuals shall exceed those of AI systems.’

SAP's implementation of this principle is particularly noteworthy:

Human oversight is achieved through appropriate governance mechanisms. These mechanisms can include Human-in-the-loop, Human-on-the-loop, or Human-in-command approaches. The choice of oversight method is context-dependent, considering the use case, state of the art, and potential risks to individual rights and freedoms. This principle underscores SAP's commitment to ensuring that AI remains a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace human judgment entirely.

Red lines: Defining the boundaries

SAP's policy goes beyond principles to explicitly outline ‘red line’ items - uses of AI that are strictly prohibited due to their potential to infringe on individual freedoms or societal well-being. For instance, the policy bars the use of AI for building surveillance systems targeting individuals or manipulating groups unfairly.

Enforcement and accountability

Recognizing that principles are only as strong as their enforcement, SAP has put in place concrete measures to ensure compliance:

• Documented enforcement procedures provide clear guidelines for addressing violations.
• The "Speak Out" tool empowers customers to report potential issues, fostering a culture of accountability.
• SAP's approach aligns with the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, integrating human rights considerations into standard business practices.

Education and accessibility

Understanding that effective implementation requires widespread understanding, SAP has launched several initiatives to educate stakeholders:

• Dedicated Community pages and groups provide spaces for discussion and learning.
• Updates to SAP's learning site offer formal training opportunities.
• Partner programs have been enhanced to include guidance on ethical AI practices.

The bigger picture: AI and the future of work

SAP's ethical AI strategy is part of a broader vision for the future of work. In a recent interview, SAP's Chief Future of Work Officer, Christian Schmeichel, discussed how AI is set to revolutionize employee experiences and usher in new paradigms like skill-based work. This holistic approach demonstrates SAP's understanding that ethical AI is not just about technology, but about shaping the future of human-AI collaboration in the workplace.

Industry context: AWS and the AI chip market

While SAP focuses on ethical AI implementation, other industry giants like AWS are making moves in the AI hardware space. AWS CEO Matt Garman recently shared his thoughts on the future of AI-ready chips, expressing confidence in a market big enough for multiple players. This development highlights the multi-faceted nature of AI advancement, spanning software, ethics, and hardware.

Practical applications: EPI-USE Labs’ AI-driven solutions

As companies like SAP and AWS push the boundaries of AI technology and ethics, service providers like EPI-USE Labs are leveraging these advancements to create practical solutions. For example, watch this webinar on BTP and AI. EPI-USE Labs also has a clearly-defined policy for all its employees on ethical use of AI in the workplace.

Another example: EPI-USE's GenAI for Microsoft Workloads Program illustrates how AI can be responsibly integrated into existing infrastructure, offering businesses a path to modernization that aligns with ethical guidelines.

A call to action

SAP's updated AI ethics policy represents more than just a set of guidelines; it's a call to action for the entire tech industry. By prioritizing human rights, emphasizing oversight, and promoting education, SAP is setting a new standard for responsible AI development and use.

As we move forward in this AI-driven era, it's crucial for businesses, developers, and users alike to engage with these ethical frameworks. SAP's approach provides a valuable model for balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that as AI becomes more powerful, it remains a force for good in society.

To truly understand the depth and implications of SAP's ethical AI strategy, I encourage readers to explore SAP's detailed policy documents. As AI continues to shape our world, staying informed about these ethical guidelines is not just beneficial; it's essential.