Ethical issues on the implementation of artificial intelligence in public administration

Abstract

This paper explores the ethical ramifications and moral accountability in deploying AI within the public domain. The text addresses key concepts such as artificial intelligence, ethics, and responsibility, analyzing different applicable ethical theories, moral decision-making, and the existence of specific ethics for public administration. It questions whether we are conveying an appropriate message about AI to society and examines the moral considerations for its implementation, such as privacy, security, explainability, fairness, impact on workers, and other social effects. Additionally, the possibility of programming ethics, how to address hazards, and how to tackle moral decisions in AI are discussed. Finally, the paper reflects on the attribution and distribution of moral responsibilities in AI and the challenges public administrations face in terms of what to do, how and when to act, and who should be involved in the process.